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
China’s currency slide adds to its economic headaches
Assessing the State of the Union 2023
In this episode, we look at the 2023 State of the Union address delivered by Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission.
As China’s Economy Drags, the Rest of Asia Offers Hope
What to expect from the BRICS expansion
The evolution of the grouping alongside the changing dynamics of political economy.
The story of China’s electric vehicle industry
China's EV industry is not just about rapid growth and success; it involves intricate geopolitical dynamics that could put its success at risk.
China Economic Database
Repository of what we consider to be the most relevant macroeconomic data for China and EU-China relations.
Russian foreign trade tracker
The dangerous link between China’s real estate demise, the economy and the financial system
China’s property sector is plunging further into a crisis that could have major ramifications on the country’s real economy and financial sector.
Upcoming events
Going for Growth: creating the conditions for a decisive transition
Launch of the OECD Going for Growth flagship publication
Working paper
29 June 2023
What would Europeans want a European defence union to look like?
This working paper explores public support for European defence union, revealing preferred policy features and the impact of political feasibility.
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