The Sound of Economics

Debate featuring EU political party representatives discussing economic issues, EU budget, growth, and single market. Podcast explores party views, potential outcomes of elections, and future EU economic policies. Focus on coalition dynamics, policy proposals, and voting considerations in upcoming European elections.

In this episode of The Sound of Economics, Yuyun Zhan talks to Bruegel Senior fellow Alicia García-Herrero and President of the European Union Chamber of Commerce in China, Jens Eskelund, about foreign companies doing business and investing in China. They discuss the difficulties of navigating current geopolitical tensions as well as China’s domestic environment. Jens presented the latest results from the European Business in China Business Confidence Survey 2024, which shows that despite the re-opening of China’s borders in early 2023, business confidence in the market continued on a downward trend. They discuss what measures the Chinese government has pursued to appeal to investors, debating whether they are persuasive enough.This 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!

Bruegel Director Jeromin Zettelmeyer and CEPR President Beatrice Weder di Mauro discuss Europe's need for economic security amidst global uncertainties. They explore de-risking imports, combating economic coercion from China, and building resilience against potential shocks. The podcast highlights the delicate balance between competitiveness and security concerns in decision-making.

Former NATO Spokesperson, Oana Lungescu, discusses the cooperation between NATO and the EU in supporting Ukraine post-Russia invasion. Topics include joint defense strategies, financing for Ukraine, and the impacts of Brexit on defense alliances.

Experts Bertin Martens, Kai Zenner, and Rebecca Christie delve into the complexities of EU digital laws, discussing key regulations like the Digital Markets Act and AI Act. They explore challenges in policy-making, the need for external supervision, and improving regulatory processes for better tech policy in the EU.

Economic expert Alicia García-Herrero and tech analyst Paul Triolo discuss China's innovation drive, US-China tech rivalry, and key tech sectors like semiconductors and biotech. They explore China's tech evolution, industrial strategy, and the geopolitical implications of the rivalry. Insightful discussion on government policies, national security concerns, and the competitive landscape in the tech industry.

Bruegel and the Financial Times partnered up to host a debate featuring representatives from EU political parties on EU economic issues, specifically competitiveness and growth, economic security and green transition. Rebecca Christie sits down with Bruegel Senior fellow Heather Grabbe, FT Europe correspondent Andy Bounds, also moderator of the debate, to unpack the views they gathered from the debate. What economic visions did the parties present? Are they impressed or convinced by some ideas? Listen to find out.ICYMI, watch the debate recording here!

Climate change is a rising threat to European financial stability, says European Stability Mechanism chief economist Rolf Strauch on this episode of The Sound of Economics. Together with Bruegel non-resident fellow Stavros Zenios and host Rebecca Christie, Strauch discusses how the EU can rally to protect itself from future shocks and keep its sovereign debt backstops ready to meet future needs. 

Science Po professor Jérôme Sgard discusses his new book on the debt crisis of the 1980s on this episode of The Sound of Economics, with host Rebecca Christie and award-winning book author and journalist Paul Blustein. They explore the shockwaves that hit developing countries during this period, starting with the quasi-default of Mexico in 1982, as well as the Brady bond debt relief plan that followed. This podcast addresses the global impact of this this crisis and the subsequent recovery, along with what we can learn going forward. 

In this episode of the sound of economics, Rebecca Christie invites Georg Zachmann and Christian Zinglersen to talk about the ambitious idea of creating a more integrated European electricity market. They discuss the drastic change in Europe’s energy outlook, as we switch from a world of fossil imports to mostly domestic electricity production. They address the benefits of a better-coordinated European energy system, as well as the need for improved communication between member states, harmonised market instruments, and joint investment in infrastructure to achieve greater efficiency and resilience. They lay out the complexity of this cross-sectoral challenge and stress that this needs strong political will and trust to move forward.Relevant publication and event:  Zachmann, G., C. Batlle, F. Beaude, C. Maurer, M. Morawiecka and F. Roques (2024) ‘Unity in power, power in unity: why the EU needs more integrated electricity markets’, Policy Brief 2024/03, Bruegel Why the EU needs more integrated electricity markets, Bruegel event, 28 February 2024