Closing the loop: the case for a circular EU economy

How will the EU springboard from the tumult of 2024 to meet the challenges ahead? In this episode of the Sound of Economics, Bruegel director Jeromin Zettelmeyer and senior fellows Heather Grabbe and André Sapir discuss the year that was with host Rebecca Christie. Industrial policy, tensions with China and the U.S., and green transition’s immense financing needs all figure in to Europe’s quest to become more competitive. Will the EU be prepared for the next crisis? Browse through Bruegel's highlights of 2024, a curated collection of our research in the past year.

In this episode of The Sound of Economics, Rebecca Christie invites Heather Grabbe and Thomas Viegas to explore the intersection of biodiversity and economic policy. The discussion highlights the critical importance of integrating nature conservation into financial frameworks. The guests delve into systemic risks posed by biodiversity loss, the role of public and private finance, and strategies to address harmful subsidies. They also emphasize the necessity of aligning economic systems with natural limits to ensure sustainable development and long-term resilience.

The EU’s Global Gateway Initiative aims to mobilize €300 billion for global infrastructure by 2027, but how does it compare to China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI)? Host Yuyun Zhan discusses this with Alicia García-Herrero and Romana Vlahutin. They explore the initiative’s origins, progresses and challenges, and how Europe can sharpen its strategy to balance development goals with economic interests. 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!

In this episode of The Sound of Economics, Rebecca Christie invites Johanna Breuer, Emmanuel Mourlon-Druol and Federico Fabbrini to delve into the intricate dynamics of European public goods and how to pay for them. Together, they explore the historical, legal, and political foundations of joint European financing—tracing its evolution from the post-WWII period to recent crises like the pandemic and the war in Ukraine. Relevant publication: Mourlon-Druol, E. (2024) ‘An uphill struggle: a long-term perspective on the European public goods debate’, Policy Brief 24/2024, Bruegel Beetsma, R. and M. Buti (2024) ‘Designing conditionality in the supply of European public goods’, Working Paper 20/2024, Bruegel

In this episode of The Sound of Economics, Rebecca Christie invites Heather Grabbe, Luca Léry Moffat and Janez Potočnik to talk about turning Europe’s economy circular by making resources go further. They discuss the environmental and economic cases for Europe to use fewer resources, and why moving to a circular economy is essential in the fight against climate change. They also discuss examples of companies that have found ways of reducing waste, and the reasons why more firms don’t make resource efficient decisions. Relevant publication: Grabbe, H. and L. Moffat (2024) ‘A European circular single market for economic security and competitiveness’, Policy Brief 20/2024, Bruegel

In this episode of The Sound of Economics, Yuyun Zhan invites Alicia García-Herrero, Théo Storella and Moritz Rudolf to delve into China's evolving role in the United Nations and its broader global governance strategy. They explore the initiatives shaping China's influence in the United Nations, such as the Belt and Road Initiative and the Global Civilization Initiative, and discuss the implications of these efforts on the multilateral order. They also discuss the challenges posed by geopolitical fragmentation and the role of other global actors, including Europe and the United States, in shaping the future of international institutions. Relevant research and event: Garcia-Herrero, A., T. Storella and P. Weil (2024) ‘China’s influence in the United Nations: words and deeds’, Working Paper 19/2024, Bruegel Shifts in China's foreign policy: a closer look at its role in the United Nations, Bruegel event, 12 November 2024 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!

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.

 In this special live episode of The Sound of Economics podcast, Rebecca Christie sits down with Bruegel’s Heather Grabbe, Fiona M. Scott Morton and Guntram B. Wolff to discuss next steps after the U.S. elections on Nov. 5. How will Europe work with the new President and new Congress? What will this mean for Ukraine? What will each side prioritize to stay competitive? Join us for a Europe-centric view from both sides of the Atlantic. You can also watch the live recording here.

In this episode of The Sound of Economics, Rebecca Christie sits down with Bruegel's Ben McWilliams and Rhodium's Senior Analyst Marie Tamba to talk about the solar energy transition, and how better information on investment and deployment can lead to better policy. Data trends in the EU and the U.S. offer insights into where clean energy is ramping up and what steps will help going forward. They also discuss how a proposed EU-wide energy data agency could help Europe form a clearer picture of where things stand. Read the Analysis 'Transatlantic Clean Investment Monitor: a solar PV snapshot' that compares the state of play in solar capacity in both the US and Europe, jointly published by Bruegel and Rhodium group. Financial support from the Children's Investment Fund Foundation is gratefully acknowledged.

In this episode of The Sound of Economics,  Yuyun Zhan invites Alicia García-Herrero and Alfred Schipke to explore the stimulus package China announced in late September 2024. They discuss why the Chinese government introduced these new measures, the key components of the package, especially how it addresses the real estate crisis and local government debt issues. Garcia Herrero notes that the stimulus is increasingly resembling a rescue package, likening it to a cleanup exercise for the economy. Schipke highlights the absence of direct support for households as a gap in the current package. Finally, they discuss the need for structural reform in China’s economy. 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!