The Sound of Economics

9 November 2024 marks the 35th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall - a pivotal moment that led to German reunification. In this special episode of The Sound of Economics, we step beyond the realm of economic policy to explore the personal and historical impact of reunification. Rebecca Christie is joined by Bruegel fellows Marek Dabrowski, Guntram Wolff, and Georg Zachmann. Our speakers share family stories and experiences from both sides of the Iron Curtain, shedding light on the contrasts between the Eastern and Western blocs. They discuss restrictions on travel and education, economic disparities, and the challenges of daily life - from food shortages to wage gaps. Moving forward, the conversation delves into the topic of merging two distinct economies and societies.Join us for an insightful journey through history, as we reflect on the complexities and triumphs of a reunited Germany.Read the special historical analysis by Marek Dabrowski, Europe’s 35-year journey since the fall of the Berlin Wall.

Heather Grabbe is a Bruegel fellow focusing on economic policy and climate, Fiona M. Scott Morton specializes in competition enforcement and regulation, and Guntram B. Wolff analyzes European defense strategies. They discuss the expected shifts in U.S.-European relations following the elections. Key topics include Europe's security reliance on the U.S. amid the Ukraine conflict, potential impacts on climate policy, and how Europe's innovation landscape may benefit from U.S. developments. They also delve into the complexities of accountability in U.S. politics and the evolving UK-US trade dynamic.

Ben McWilliams, a clean technology data analyst at Bruegel, and Marie Tompa, a Senior Analyst at Rhodium focusing on clean tech investments, discuss the solar energy transition. They explore how investment data can significantly influence public policy, particularly in the EU and US. The conversation highlights a surge in US clean technology investments post-Inflation Reduction Act, and the need for a European energy data agency to enhance transparency. Key insights reveal the vital role of solar energy in achieving climate goals and the competitive landscape of the clean energy market.

Alicia García-Herrero, a senior fellow at Bruegel specializing in the Chinese economy, and Alfred Schipke, a professor at Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy, dive into China's new stimulus package. They unravel its design as a rescue for the ailing economy, particularly its focus on real estate and local government debt. García-Herrero likens it to a cleanup effort, while Schipke points out the lack of direct support for households. They argue for necessary structural reforms to bolster long-term recovery amidst these economic maneuvers.

Join Jacob Funk Kirkegaard, a Senior Fellow at Bruegel, and Takeshi Tashiro, a Non-resident Senior Fellow at the Peterson Institute, as they explore the complex lessons Europe can learn from Japan’s economic struggles. They discuss Japan's effective management of aging populations, low productivity, and high public debt. The conversation dives into labor participation trends, the importance of fiscal sustainability, and innovative financing solutions needed for a sustainable energy transition. Gain fresh perspectives on addressing Europe’s emerging economic issues!

Merje Laht, Margo Sjis, and Aislínn McCrory, experts from the European Commission, delve into the vital role of language diversity in the EU. They discuss the resilience of Estonian and Irish languages and the nuances of Dutch in Belgium and the Netherlands. The conversation highlights the importance of translation and interpretation services in ensuring democratic participation. The guests also examine the dominance of English and the risks it poses to inclusivity, advocating for the preservation of native languages to enrich EU communication.

In this episode of The Sound of Economics, Rebecca Christie invites Bruegel’s own Simone Tagliapietra and Cecilia Trasi, as well as Jacob Werksman, Principal Adviser of European Commission’s DG Clima, to examine the EU’s global green agenda and the challenges of balancing decarbonisation, competitiveness, and strategic autonomy. They discuss how the EU’s green geoeconomic approach should support global decarbonisation efforts and strengthen the EU's strategic position.Relevant publications and events: Sgaravatti, G., S. Tagliapietra and C. Trasi (2024) ‘Re-energising Europe’s global green reach’, Policy Brief 11/2024, Bruegel Re-energising Europe’s global green reach, Bruegel event with Anthony Agotha, Norbert Gorissen, Simone Tagliapietra, Cecilia Trasi and Jacob Werksman Bolton, P., A.M. Kleinnijenhuis and J. Zettelmeyer (2024) ‘The economic case for climate finance at scale’, Policy Brief 09/2024, Bruegel

In this episode of The Sound of Economics, Yuyun Zhan sits down with Alicia García-Herrero and Abigaël Vasselier to assess the new reality of EU-China relations and explain why the European Union must prepare for a much more difficult relationship with China.Relevant publication: García-Herrero, A. and A. Vasselier (2024) ‘Updating the EU strategy on China: co-existence while de-risking through partnerships’, Policy Brief 27/2024, BruegelThis episode is part of the ZhōngHuá Mundus series of The Sound of Economics. ZhōngHuá Mundus is a newsletter by Bruegel, bringing you monthly analysis of China in the world, as seen from Europe. Sign up now to receive it in your mailbox!

Zsolt Darvas, a senior fellow at Bruegel specializing in public debt, and Jennifer D. Sciubba, President of the Population Reference Bureau, tackle the pressing issue of demographic changes and their impact on public finances. They discuss how an aging population is straining pension and healthcare budgets, requiring urgent policy adjustments. The conversation includes challenges in standardizing retirement ages across Europe and strategies from countries like Japan and South Korea to adapt to an older workforce, highlighting the need for innovative solutions.

In this episode of The Sound of Economics, Rebecca Christie sits down with Eurogroup president Paschal Donohoe and Bruegel Senior fellow Guntram Wolff to discuss the EU's dire defence and security challenges and the role of public finances. They also discuss Wolff's latest report on Europe's and Germany's slow rearmament, particularly compared to Russian arms production. Listen to Donohoe's speech at Bruegel Annual Meetings about the Eurogroup's immediate priorities here.