The Sound of Economics brings you insights, debates, and research-based discussions on economic policy in Europe and beyond.
The podcast is produced by Bruegel...
How the war in Ukraine is reshaping EU-China relations
Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has forced the EU to reassess its ties with both Moscow and Beijing. As the EU navigates its dependencies on Russian energy, Chinese markets, and US security, how is its long-term strategy evolving? Can Europe maintain a unified stance on China? And what does this mean for global power dynamics?
In this episode of The Sound of Economics, Yuyun Zhan is joined by Alicia García-Herrero, Elina Ribakova, and Ivana Karásková to discuss the shifting landscape of China-EU relations in the wake of the war in Ukraine.
Check out Bruegel's research on China and on defence.
Ivana recently founded The Women Insight on China (WiCH), a new initiative aimed at addressing the underrepresentation of women in the field of China studies across Europe. Alicia is a Co-chair for Spain.
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!
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42:15
Ireland’s journey from crisis to confidence
In this episode of The Sound of Economics, host Rebecca Christie discusses Ireland's economy with Eamon Gilmore, former Foreign Minister, and Patrick Honohan, former Governor of the Irish Central Bank. They explore Ireland’s recovery from the global financial crisis and current political outlook, alongside issues such as public debt, low interest rates, and rebuilding national confidence. The conversation also covers support for Ukraine, the Irish housing crisis, Ireland’s role in Europe, and evolving relations with the UK in the aftermath of Brexit and the peace process. The episode concludes with the speakers sharing their hopes and concerns for the country’s future.
The episode mentions the book “Europe and the Transformation of the Irish Economy (Elements in Economics of European Integration)” by Patric Honohan and John FitzGerald.
Music: McFarley’s Reel, after the playing of John Doherty.
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46:52
Where are Europe's animal spirits?
In this episode of The Sound of Economics, Rebecca Christie is joined by Jeromin Zettelmeyer and Peter Praet to discuss the economic outlook for Europe and the United States, the impact of prospective tariffs, and the role of monetary and fiscal policies. The conversation touches on the impact of geopolitical uncertainties, structural reforms, and the ongoing debate around defence spending in Europe.
*This podcast was recorded in mid February 2025.
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39:52
The choices Europe must make to secure its future
In this episode of The Sound of Economics, we examine the rapidly evolving geopolitical landscape in Europe, driven by the ongoing war in Ukraine, shifting alliances, and the changing role of the United States in NATO. Host Rebecca Christie is joined by Bruegel experts Heather Grabbe and Guntram B. Wolff to discuss the critical questions facing European policymakers: What level of financial and military support is the EU prepared to provide to Ukraine? Can Europe step up to replace U.S. security guarantees, and what would that entail? How are NATO and EU alliances evolving in response to these pressures? What role will collective defence spending and procurement play in reshaping Europe’s military posture?
*This podcast was recorded on Friday morning CET, 28 February 2025.
Read the recent Analysis by Alexandr Burilkov and Guntram B. Wolff, Defending Europe without the US: first estimates of what is needed.
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43:36
Is China headed for its own ‘lost decade’?
Since the bursting of China’s real-estate bubble in mid-2021, there has been a growing concern that the country’s economy could end up like that of Japan in the early 1990s. In this episode of the Sound of Economics, Yuyun Zhan invites Alicia García-Herrero and Jianwei Xu to discuss China’s structural deceleration, the striking similarities and key differences with Japan’s experience, and what this could mean for Europe and the global economy, as explored in their latest policy brief.
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!
The Sound of Economics brings you insights, debates, and research-based discussions on economic policy in Europe and beyond.
The podcast is produced by Bruegel, an independent and non-doctrinal think tank based in Brussels. It seeks to contribute to European and global economic policy-making through open, fact-based, and policy-relevant research, analysis, and debate.