Future is Blue

In this podcast episode we take a deep dive into the key economic lessons Europe has learned in 2024. From the structural challenges facing the eurozone, such as sluggish growth and energy market shifts, to Spain’s surprising economic resilience and the implications of Donald Trump’s return to the White House, we explore how Europe is navigating an increasingly complex global landscape. Joined by Raymond Torres, Funcas Europe Director, we also look ahead to 2025, discussing the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead for Europe’s economy.

12-23

16:54

In this episode of Future is Blue, we explore the challenges facing the EU’s industrial production and trade relationships in an increasingly fragmented global economy. Joined by Aslak Berg, Research Fellow at the Center for European Reform, and Miguel Ángel González Simón, economist at Funcas, we discuss Europe’s vulnerabilities, from energy dependence and export reliance to the diverging trajectories of Germany and Spain. The conversation also delves into the EU’s critical trade relationships with the U.S. and China, highlighting strategic risks and opportunities, and concludes with actionable insights on how the EU can adapt through diversification, domestic investment, and deeper integration.

12-16

28:22

In the latest Future is Blue episode, Carlos Carnicero Urabayen is joined by Alicia Garcia-Herrero, Senior Fellow at Bruegel and Chief Economist for Asia Pacific at Natixis, and Raymond Torres, Director of Funcas Europe, to discuss the potential consequences of Donald Trump’s return to the White House on EU-U.S. trade relations. The conversation explores the risks of sweeping tariffs, the vulnerability of key industries like Germany’s automotive sector, and the broader implications for European economic resilience. The guests also highlight opportunities for deeper EU integration, strategic alignment with the U.S. on China, and diversification of global trade partnerships to navigate the challenges ahead.

11-20

29:43

Despite the common perception of migrants as a drain on resources, OECD data reveals that migrants contribute positively to public finances in most advanced economies. In a recent Future is Blue interview, Ana Damas de Matos, OECD senior policy analyst, explained how migrants support aging populations, add to the labor market, and contribute more in taxes and social security than they receive in services. With effective integration policies, countries can further boost the economic benefits of migration, proving that migrants play a vital role in sustaining and strengthening host economies.

10-31

17:36

In this Future is Blue episode, host Carlos Carnicero Urabayen speaks with Alice Faibishenko, Senior Advisor at Funcas, about the recent volatility in EU sovereign debt markets, particularly in the wake of France's turbulent elections. They explore how political instability and fiscal challenges have driven up French bond spreads, sparking renewed concerns about eurozone fragmentation. Alice provides expert insights into the broader EU implications, discussing limited contagion to other economies and the long-term need for fiscal reforms to stabilize debt markets. This conversation offers listeners valuable perspectives on navigating Europe's complex financial landscape.You can read the latest SEFO publication by Funcas here. 

10-25

08:36

In this episode of Future is Blue, Carlos Carnicero Urabayen is joined by Sander Tordoir and Raymond Torres to discuss the key findings and implications of Mario Draghi’s recent report on Europe's competitiveness. We recommend reading Draghi´s plan to rescue the European economy: will EU leaders do whatever it takes?

09-18

29:23

In this episode, Cecilia Trasi from Bruegel discusses the EU's strategy to lead global climate action, balancing decarbonization with economic competitiveness and fostering international green partnerships.The paper that is featured in this podcast is available here. 

09-05

34:33

In our latest episode, Carlos Carnicero Urabayen interviews Alice Faibishenko, Senior Advisor at Funcas, to discuss the European Central Bank's recent monetary policy changes. They delve into the ECB's long-awaited rate cut, contrasting it with the Federal Reserve's approach, and explore its implications for financial sectors and markets, particularly in Spain. The episode provides a comprehensive analysis of how these policy shifts affect households, businesses, and the broader economy, offering valuable insights for navigating the evolving financial landscape.

07-31

12:17

In this episode of "Future is Blue," host Carlos Urabayen discusses the post-election economic outlook for Europe with Sander Tordoir, Chief Economist at the Centre for European Reform, and Raymond Torres, Director of Funcas Europe. They explore the challenges and opportunities for the new European Commission, focusing on climate transition, economic growth, and digital transformation. The conversation highlights the need for increased investment, market integration, and strategic coordination to ensure sustainable growth and competitiveness in the EU.

07-16

28:58

In this episode our host Carlos Urabayen talks to Alice Faibishenko from Funcas to discuss the profound shifts in global trade and investment since the pandemic. The conversation delves into the concept of re-globalization, highlighting the challenges and opportunities faced by the European Union amidst weakening export markets and changing foreign direct investment patterns. Despite these challenges, the discussion also points to positive trends, such as the intensification of intra-EU trade and investment, which offer stability in an uncertain global economic environment. You can access here the latest SEFO report by Funcas.

06-26

07:43

In this episode, we delve into the complexities of the European Union budget with insights from Professor Iain Begg of the London School of Economics and Political Science and Raymond Torres, Director of Funcas Europe. We explore the historical context, current challenges, and potential reforms needed to make the EU budget more flexible and responsive to new challenges, such as the potential enlargement with countries like Ukraine and Moldova. Our discussion covers the contentious Common Agricultural Policy, the impact of new fiscal rules, and the necessity for innovative solutions like an EU fiscal framework to ensure sustainable and transparent EU finances. You can access here the article Challenges and dilemmas around the EU budget and here the paper also by Iain Begg for the European Parliament Options for a stronger and more agile EU budget.

06-17

28:11

Carlos Carnicero Urabayen spoke with Hans Dubois, a Senior Research Manager at Eurofound, about the pressing issue of housing affordability in Europe. The discussion covered the factors driving unaffordable housing, the impact on different demographic groups, particularly young people, and the effectiveness of various policy measures being implemented across Europe.The full report by Eurofound, titled "Affordable and Inadequate Housing in Europe," can be accessed here.

05-28

21:38

There is a growing resilience in the Spanish labor force, highlighting evolution from the historical trends of high unemployment, particularly during times of economic uncertainty. In this podcast we discuss this topic with Alice Faibishenko, Senior Advisor at Funcas.You can access the latest SEFO report from Funcas here. 

04-30

13:54

In this new episode hosted by Carlos Carnicero Urabayen, Sander Tordoir, Senior Economist at the Centre for European Reform, delved into the intricate dynamics of the global geopolitical landscape, the rise of economic nationalism and Europe's strategic positioning amidst the assertive manoeuvres of superpowers like the United States and China. Tordoir is one of the authors of the Centre for European Reform comprehensive paper "Europe and the Super Powers: Responding to Economic Nationalism".

04-17

22:50

In this episode Carlos Carnicero Urabayen interviews Patricia Sánchez Juanino to learn about current trade trends inside and outside the European Union.