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?
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
Analysis
06 April 2023
China’s 2023 work report and what it means: an AI post-mortem
China is taking a more nuanced approach to the overarching goal of GDP growth.
Analysis
06 April 2023
The EU Recovery and Resilience Facility falls short against performance-based funding standards
The rules and guidance underpinning EU economic recovery funds seek inputs and outputs, not results; this has led to uneven use of results indicators
Analysis
05 April 2023
Why Europe’s critical raw materials strategy has to be international
In ensuring supplies of critical raw materials, the European Union cannot rely on domestic measures alone.
Policy brief
05 April 2023
Decentralised finance: good technology, bad finance
Given the importance of digitalisation, it is fair to ask whether these digital decentralised services will become established and normalised.
Policy brief
28 March 2023
Will China’s new financial regulatory reform be enough to meet the challenges?
This paper aims to inform the discussion in relation to China with accounts of experiences in large and complex financial sectors.
Analysis
23 March 2023
The ripple effect of financial education
A financial literacy course for university students in Cyprus also improved the financial knowledge of their parents.
Policy brief
23 March 2023
The potential of sovereign sustainability-linked bonds in the drive for net-zero
Sovereign SLBs could help incentivise climate policies in EU countries, and accelerate emission reductions.
Analysis
23 March 2023
How much will the EU pay Russia for fossil fuels over the next 12 months?
With sanctions incomplete, the European Union could pay Russia about €30 billion for fossil fuels in the next year.
Working paper
16 March 2023
Artificial intelligence adoption in the public sector: a case study
This case study illustrates the drivers of and barriers to AI adoption by organisations, and acceptance of AI by workers in the public sector.