Europe between protectionism and openness: How to compete in a fragmented world

In this episode, our guest Ana María Santacreu, Senior Economic Policy Advisor at the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis, explains the twin pressures on Europe from rising protectionism and the “cost of openness.” Trade is fragmenting along geopolitical lines—especially in strategic sectors—while capital flows show less decoupling. Europe now faces China as a direct rival at the technological frontier and remains dependent on it for critical minerals and processing, creating choke points. Santacreu highlights three priorities: completing the single market, managing technological rivalry, and reducing supply concentration. She stresses that resilience “starts at home.” Miguel Ángel González-Simón, economist at Funcas, adds the need to advance Capital Markets Union and deepen ties with like-minded partners.

In this episode of Future is Blue, Andrea Renda (CEPS) joins host Carlos Carnicero Urabayen to unpack the implications of the EU’s AI Act and Europe’s broader role in shaping global AI governance. Renda highlights the AI Act as a bold but complex regulatory effort, warning that its global influence may be limited unless backed by stronger investment and innovation capacity. He calls for a "digital social contract" built on corporate accountability, empowered civil society, and digital literacy, while cautioning against the risks of disinformation, labor disruption, and shortsighted automation. Despite these challenges, Renda remains optimistic about AI’s potential—especially in science and sustainability—and urges the EU to launch a large-scale initiative akin to a “CERN for AI” to lead in trustworthy, human-centric innovation. He also recommends two key reads: “Strengthening international cooperation on AI” (CEPS-Brookings) and “Towards a European large‑scale initiative on Artificial Intelligence: What are the options?”, both offering frameworks for Europe's next steps in AI leadership. 

In this episode of Future is Blue, Carlos Carnicero Urabayen speaks with Raymond Torres, Director of Funcas Europe, about the growing influence of the BRICS+ group and what it means for Europe. They explore how these emerging economies are shifting global power dynamics—not only through faster growth but by leading in key sectors, forming new regional trade blocs, and pushing for financial reform. The conversation highlights the strategic challenges for the EU, from supply chain vulnerabilities to geopolitical competition, and outlines how Europe can stay relevant by deepening internal integration and forging smarter, more balanced partnerships with the Global South.

As global trade fractures and geopolitical tensions mount, the EU’s Single Market is emerging as a vital strategic asset—but much of its potential remains untapped. In this Future is Blue episode, Carlos Carnicero Urabayen speaks with Lionel Fontagné (Paris School of Economics) and Miguel Ángel González Simón (Funcas) about the Single Market’s resilience, the gains it has already delivered, and the urgent need to deepen integration. With cross-border trade boosting EU members’ GDP by up to 9%, and “low-hanging fruit” that could double current gains, Europe has no time to lose in strengthening its economic core.

Germany and Spain are both grappling with rising housing costs, supply shortages, and the limits of rent control—but their policy paths diverge in key ways. In this episode of Future is Blue, Carlos Carnicero Urabayen speaks with Konstantin A. Kholodilin (DIW) and Miguel Ángel González Simón (Funcas) to explore how each country is responding to growing affordability pressures, what’s holding back new construction, and what strategic lessons Europe can draw from their experiences.

In this episode of Future is Blue, Carlos Carnicero Urabayen speaks with Ignacio García Bercero, former EU chief trade negotiator, and Miguel Ángel González Simón, economist at Funcas, to unpack the resurgence of transatlantic trade tensions. As the U.S. reintroduces sweeping tariffs, the guests explore what’s behind Washington’s unpredictable trade stance, how the EU should respond—through both retaliation and global alliance-building—and the broader economic impact on growth, inflation, and investment in Europe. The conversation also highlights key strategic priorities for the EU beyond the U.S., including Mercosur, the Indo-Pacific, and WTO reform.

In this episode of Future is Blue, Carlos Carnicero Urabayen speaks with Alice Faibishenko, Senior Advisor at Funcas, to explore how the eurozone’s periphery—Spain, Portugal, Greece, Ireland, and Italy—has evolved since the sovereign debt crisis. They discuss the different causes of the crisis across these countries, the key reforms that followed, and how structural improvements in labour markets and fiscal policy are now driving stronger growth compared to core eurozone economies. The conversation also covers investor confidence, competitiveness challenges, and the critical question of whether this convergence trend is sustainable or just temporary.You can subscribe here to the Future is Blue newsletter.

In this episode of Future is Blue, host Carlos Carnicero Urabayen is joined by Brad Setser (Council on Foreign Relations) and Miguel Ángel González Simón (Funcas) to unpack the global implications of President Trump’s newly announced 10% universal tariff on all imports — and an additional 20% duty on EU goods. The discussion explores the political motivations behind the move, the flawed logic of "reciprocal" tariffs, and the potential economic fallout for Europe, China, and the US. The episode also dives into Europe’s strategic options, from targeted retaliation to strengthening the single market and forging new alliances.Subscribe to our newsletter for free in this link.

In this Future is Blue episode, Sander Tordoir from the Centre for European Reform discusses his article Heavy Industry is Europe’s Trump Card. We explore how Europe’s manufacturing strength can drive defence rearmament, the potential of the EU’s REARM initiative, and the challenges of financing and coordination. Sander also highlights the UK’s role post-Brexit and stresses that now is a defining moment for Europe to leverage its industrial and financial power for security and resilience. 

The latest Future is Blue podcast explores Germany’s historic fiscal shift following the recent elections. Christian Odendahl (The Economist) and Raymond Torres (Funcas Europe) analyze the CDU-SPD coalition’s €500 billion investment package, which marks a break from two decades of fiscal conservatism. They discuss its implications for Germany’s economic recovery, European defense policy, and EU fiscal rules. With Berlin poised to play a more decisive role in Europe, the conversation delves into the challenges of implementing this bold policy shift and how it may reshape Germany’s leadership within the EU. Listen to the full episode here.