Global economy and trade policy
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
Against the odds, China’s push to internationalise its currency is making gains
Geopolitical concerns help support the use of the renminbi despite weak foreign investment trends
'Green tech partnership' offers way to de-risk while decarbonizing
Dependence on China carries supply risks beyond just geopolitics
The evolution of EU-China relations
A glimpse into the evolving landscape of Europe's engagement with China.
China Economic Database
Repository of what we consider to be the most relevant macroeconomic data for China and EU-China relations.
Third time lucky? China’s push to internationalise the renminbi
This paper analyses China’s different attempts to internationalise its currency and how they have fared.
Russian foreign trade tracker
De-risking and decarbonising: a green tech partnership to reduce reliance on China
Greater alignment of the major economic powers is needed around a collective effort to improve security of supply for decarbonisation goods.
Understanding local government debt in China
How can China navigate the country towards a more sustainable and balanced economic future?
China’s position on Israel leading to a cold war
The most far-reaching ramification of recent events is the inexorable advance of a world splitting into two poles.
Analysis
07 December 2023
When will the European Union finally get the budget it needs?
The EU budget needs radical reform, but certain conditions must be in place for it to succeed.
Policy brief
04 December 2023
Improving the contestability of e-commerce in two jurisdictions: the Amazon case
The conduct described in the US complaints against Amazon harms competition between online stores and among the merchants who sell via them.
Analysis
23 November 2023
COP28: key issues at stake and indicators of success
COP28 must convey the importance to governments of better integrating climate considerations into financial decision-making.
Policy brief
16 November 2023
Compliance principles for the Digital Markets Act
This paper proposes an original set of five compliance principles derived from the DMA list of obligations.
Analysis
09 November 2023
The massive value of European Union cross-border electricity transmission
High values for cross-border electricity transmission capacity show the EU needs more connections between countries.
Analysis
08 November 2023
Digital Market Act designations: the interoperability of Google Android
The European Commission has taken an intelligent first step in enabling competition to Google Android and Google Play Services
Analysis
06 November 2023
The ‘pay-or-consent’ challenge for platform regulators
Users expect online services to be free but some digital firms are now offering pay-or-consent options, affecting competition dynamics.
Policy brief
02 November 2023
Third time lucky? China’s push to internationalise the renminbi
This paper analyses China’s different attempts to internationalise its currency and how they have fared.
Analysis
02 November 2023
‘Home-grown’ innovation has costs as well as benefits
Europe can improve its innovation systems, but should not try to copy the US approach
Analysis
02 November 2023
The reason for the European Union-Australia trade negotiation hiccup
Though trade talks have fallen through for now, the EU and Australia have long-term common interests in an eventual restart
Policy brief
26 October 2023
De-risking and decarbonising: a green tech partnership to reduce reliance on China
Greater alignment of the major economic powers is needed around a collective effort to improve security of supply for decarbonisation goods.
Analysis
26 October 2023
The European Union’s remarkable growth performance relative to the United States
The EU has outperformed the US on per-capita output growth; in terms of output per hour worked, some EU countries are as productive as the US
Working paper
23 October 2023
Recessions, the energy mix and environmental policy
This paper highlights that recessions result in permanent increases in energy efficiency and in the share of renewables in total electricity.
Analysis
10 October 2023
The European Union is ready for the 2023-24 winter gas season
Demand cuts, alternative supply and the green energy rollout mean the EU likely has enough gas for winter, even if Russian supplies are cut completely
Working paper
09 October 2023
To what extent can urbanisation mitigate the negative impact of population ageing in China?
Our analysis reveals that ageing accounts for only about 1 percentage point of the GDP growth rate deceleration over the past decade.
Analysis
09 October 2023
What will it cost the European Union to pay its economic recovery debt?
Servicing the EU debt until 2058 seems feasible, despite increased borrowing costs, but member countries must make choices about budget funding