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
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.
The state of play in EU-LATAM trade
Are we seeing a fatigue of ‘The Brussels Effect’?
¿Qué precio pagará Italia por abandonar la Ruta de la Seda?
Policy brief
28 June 2023
The EU can manage without Russian liquified natural gas
How can the European Union achieve its target of eliminating all Russian fossil-fuel imports by 2027?
Analysis
26 June 2023
The Listing Act: no more than a minor boost to EU equity markets
Streamlining of the company listing process is welcome, but more fundamental reform is needed to revive the European Union’s flagging equity markets.
Policy brief
22 June 2023
Working paper
21 June 2023
China’s quest for innovation: progress and bottlenecks
We identify three potential bottlenecks that might be hindering the translation of China’s innovation efforts into productivity growth.
Policy brief
20 June 2023
Can Chinese growth defy gravity?
This paper discusses China’s growth for the next two decades, identifying the main challenges and factors that could mitigate its deceleration.
Working paper
13 June 2023
Antitrust issues raised by answer engines
This paper outlines some early antitrust issues related to answer engines and the response competition authorities should adopt.
Policy brief
12 June 2023
The value added of central bank digital currencies: a view from the euro area
Central bank digital currencies do have added value, but this is not the same for every country.
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.