Global economy and trade
Explore recurring issues in Europe’s relationship with its extended neighbourhood, and economic relations with China, India and the rest of the world.
The global economy in continues to be affected by the pandemic. However, it is also marked by major geopolitical developments, from President Biden’s inauguration and a revival of the transatlantic relationship, to the continued rivalry with China, with the EU caught in-between these global trends.
Bruegel’s scholars cover the European Union’s increasing assertiveness towards neighbours over the past year, including the external repercussions of the European Green Deal, managing a crisis at its borders, building a future relationship with a former member, strengthening the international role of the euro and tackling a resurgent China.
Recently published and updated
A new measure of aggregate trade restrictions: cyclical drivers and macro effects
In this paper, we present a new measure of aggregate trade restrictions.
China’s weak recovery is turning off foreign investors
Quick rebound expected after the relaxation of zero-Covid policies has not materialised.
China’s growing power in Latin America
China’s growth: what is to come?
Decelerated economic growth has and will continue to determine China’s position in global, regional and national spheres.
Russian foreign trade tracker
China’s overseas lending needs a full-fledged debt restructuring
US-China tech bifurcation
Compared to instant decoupling, bifurcation offers a more gradual process that requires clear understanding of the direction and speed of divergence.
Not Even a Recession: The Great German Gas Debate in Retrospect
The German economy coped with the end of Russian gas and could have equally withstood an April 2022 cut-off
Upcoming events
[email protected]: trade policy with Bernd Lange
Invitation-only event featuring Bernd Lange, who will talk on the subject of the future of EU trade policy.
To what extent can innovation and global economic dominance mitigate China’s structural slowdown?
Event in the frame of the project China Horizons - Dealing with a resurgent China (DWARC)*.
Analysis
06 June 2023
Between a rock and a hard place: the EU response to national import bans on Ukrainian grain
The European Commission had to choose between imperfect alternatives because of frontline state backlash against massive Ukrainian grain imports.
Analysis
05 June 2023
European public opinion remains supportive of Ukraine
Public support for Ukraine is holding up in allied countries, but preparations should be made for scenarios in which support ebbs away.
Working paper
01 June 2023
A new measure of aggregate trade restrictions: cyclical drivers and macro effects
In this paper, we present a new measure of aggregate trade restrictions.
Policy brief
31 May 2023
The rising cost of European Union borrowing and what to do about it
Interest rates on the EU debt have risen substantially since 2022: what are the main drivers and implications and what to do about it?
Working paper
30 May 2023
Employer perspectives on employee work location: collaboration, culture and control
Employee surveys across different countries indicate that employees prefer working remotely and do not want to return to the office full time.
Policy brief
17 May 2023
Adjusting to the energy shock: the right policies for European industry
In its industrial strategy response, the EU must ask if the energy-intensive parts of the value chain should be outsourced permanently.
Analysis
17 May 2023
Cleantech manufacturing: where does Europe really stand?
A single European Union cleantech manufacturing capacity target should be based on an understanding of the situation in each cleantech sector
Analysis
09 May 2023
The problem with preferential trade agreements
Preferential agreements can be an alternative to a sclerotic WTO, but, if multilateral rules fail, they also risk conflict between trading blocs
Analysis
04 May 2023
Fiscal rule legislative proposal: what has changed, what has not, what is unclear?
The proposed new fiscal rules constitute a major improvement from the current fiscal framework but missed an opportunity to foster green investment.
Analysis
03 May 2023
What really influences United Nations voting on Ukraine?
Speculation has been triggered about new alliances emerging in the Global South, inspired by China and India's voting behaviour.
Analysis
03 May 2023
Europe’s digital competition law can give users more effective control of their data
The European Union’s Digital Markets Act gives regulatory authorities another chance to tackle the difficult issue of user consent for data processing
Analysis
02 May 2023
Sanctions against Russia will worsen its already poor economic prospects
Sanctions, coming on top of longstanding domestic shortcomings, are gradually weakening Russia.
Policy brief
27 April 2023
The longer-term fiscal challenges facing the European Union
Since 2020, the European Union has suffered two large shocks, which have created new fiscal challenges for the EU.
Working paper
25 April 2023
Global trends in countries‘ perceptions of the Belt and Road Initiative
In this paper, we have analysed the sentiment towards the Belt and Road Initiative in the world using a large open-access dataset, namely GDELT.
Analysis
18 April 2023
Fixing Germany’s fixes of the European Commission’s fiscal governance proposal
Germany has valid concerns about Commission’s plan for reforming the fiscal rules. But there are better ways to address them.
Analysis
12 April 2023
Mobilising transition finance will require credible corporate climate plans
Many jurisdictions now require companies to demonstrate ‘climate alignment’; investors need tools to evaluate whether transition plans are credible