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
The Belt and Road Initiative 2.0 is all about security
How the Belt and Road Initiative has transformed into a geopolitical tool for China.
Is Europe failing on import diversification?
Despite a goal of economic self-reliance, the European Union’s imports are generally sourced from an increasingly limited set of suppliers.
What China’s reopening will mean for the global economy
A timely discussion about the reopening of China after the zero-Covid policy and its implications on the global economy
How should Europe react to the Inflation Reduction Act?
A deep dive into the IRA and its expected impact on the world trade system.
Climate versus trade? Reconciling international subsidy rules with industrial decarbonisation
Environmental subsidies could be justified when emissions taxation is not feasible or is insufficient due to political economy constraints.
Is deglobalisation already happening?
Is the world witnessing a shift away from Hyper-globalisation to Deglobalisation?
The boom, bust and future of China's real estate sector
Is China’s real estate market sustainable?
Global and regional Gini coefficients
Policy brief
24 March 2022
Better pensions for the European Union’s self-employed
What is the current state of pensions policy in Europe and how are independent workers treated compared with their traditionally employed counterparts
Blog post
22 March 2022
The decoupling of Russia: software, media and online services
Restrictions so far on software, media and online services in Russia have been imposed either voluntarily by firms, or else by Russia itself in order
Blog post
21 March 2022
The impact of the war in Ukraine on food security
The war in Ukraine and consequent sanctions could mean high food prices will endure.
Blog post
17 March 2022
Can Europe manage if Russian oil and coal are cut off?
A stop to Russian oil and coal supplies would push Europe into a short and painful adjustment period.
Blog post
15 March 2022
Six reasons why backstopping Russia is an increasingly unattractive option for China
China has too much to lose from aligning with Russia over Ukraine.
Blog post
15 March 2022
A new Thessaloniki offer: the aspirations of Georgia, Moldova, and Ukraine to join the EU
The European Union should grant candidate status to Georgia, Moldova and Ukraine, as part of a long-term stabilisation strategy.
Blog post
14 March 2022
How should the EU respond to Georgia, Moldova and Ukraine’s membership aspirations?
European Union membership for Georgia, Moldova and Ukraine is at present unrealistic, but they should be offered more than Association Agreements.
Blog post
09 March 2022
Can China bail out Putin?
Even with help from China, Russia will be unable to mitigate the immediate impact of Western sanctions.
Blog post
08 March 2022
The economic policy consequences of the war
Whatever the duration of the war, its legacy will be long-lasting. It will shape Europe’s policy choices for the years and decades to come.
Blog post
07 March 2022
War in Europe: the financial front
Russia is reeling from massive financial sanctions, while Ukraine’s financial system is battered but remains functional, and the EU and global financi
Blog post
28 February 2022
Preparing for the first winter without Russian gas
The European Union can manage without Russian gas next winter, but must be united in taking difficult decisions.
Book
23 February 2022
Greening Europe’s post-COVID-19 recovery
This Blueprint includes some of the Group’s most prominent voices on the different aspects of the multidimensional issue of green recovery.
Blog post
22 February 2022
Europe’s sustainable taxonomy is a sideshow
The EU taxonomy grossly simplifies a complex and dynamic world. It might help prevent green-washing but other tools are needed to guide green investme
Policy brief
21 February 2022
Is the post-war trading system ending?
This policy contribution assesses how the trading system has changed over the last five years
Blog post
17 February 2022
How has growth changed what countries get from the European recovery fund?
Adjustments to growth forecasts mean some countries will get 10% more than expected and others 20% less in grants from the EU Recovery and Resilience
Policy brief
17 February 2022
The failure of global public health governance: a forensic analysis
In this Policy Contribution, we seek to understand the reasons for these failures of global collective action.