Future is Blue

Future is blue is a series of podcasts promoted by Funcas Europe bringing together academia, think tanks and policymakers for a more inspiring debate about European economic affairs

What Mario Draghi’s report means for Europe

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

How the EU plans to lead the global green transition

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

Navigating the ECB's new monetary policy: Implications for Spain and beyond

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

Europe's post-election economic landscape: key issues and strategic directions

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

How the EU is adapting to post-pandemic global trade shifts

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

Navigating EU budget reforms: challenges, controversies, and future directions

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

Addressing the housing crisis in Europe

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

Spain’s labour market: a story of convergence towards Europe

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

Europe’s response to Chinese and American economic competition

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

The EU's trade dynamics in a changing global landscape

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

03-27
15:56

Spain's economic outlook: Navigating through uncertainty

In this episode Alice Faibishenko, Senior Advisor at Funcas, talks to our host Carlos Carnicero Urabayen about key aspects affecting the Spanish economy in 2024. The conversation is based on several of the articles featured in the latest SEFO report. 

03-06
12:50

Unpacking the EU's new fiscal rules

In this episode we analyze the new fiscal rules recently agreed by EU policymakers and what will be their impact on Europe's economy in the medium and long term. We are joined by Vinzenz Ziesemer, Director at the Institute voor Publieke Economie and Raymond Torres, Funcas Europe Director. The show is hosted by Carlos Carnicero Urabayen.

02-06
22:58

EuroInsights: economic lessons in 2023

In today's show we analyse what are the key lessons learned for the EU economy in 2023. Sander Tordoir, Senior Economist at the Centre for European Reform, together with Raymond Torres, Funcas Europe Director in conversation with Carlos Carnicero Urabayen, Future is Blue host.

12-20
18:35

Spain's resilience amidst geopolitical turmoil

In our new podcast episode we discuss the latest SEFO publication by Funcas covering Spain's economic outlook, together with Alice Faibishenko, Senior Advisor at Funcas. 

12-06
15:10

Europe's public finances amidst pandemic, war, and energy crisis

In this podcast show Carlos Carnicero Urabayen talks to Raymond Torres, Funcas Europe Director, to analyse the situation regarding public deficits and debt after the pandemic, the Ukraine war and the energy crisis.

11-24
16:39

Trade wars on wheels? The Commission investigates Chinese electric cars

Sander Tordoir, Senior Economist at the Centre for European Reform, shares great insights about the Commission investigation into Chinese state subsidies affecting cars imported to Europe.  Carlos Carnicero Urabayen is Future is Blue host.

10-26
18:51

The uncertain duration of high interest rates

In today's new podcast episode we feature Alice Faibishenko, Senior Advisor at Funcas, to analyse the implications of high interest rates for financial institutions, public bodies and other actors. This subject is covered in the latest SEFO report by Funcas that you can access here. 

10-17
12:09

China's debt domino effect: Is the world economy at risk?

In our new podcast show we analyse what's behind China's debt mounting debt and the risk this represents for the world economy. Our host, Carlos Carnicero Urabayen talks to Alicia García Herrero, Chief Economist for Asia Pacific at Natixis, a French multinational financial services firm, and Senior Fellow at Bruegel think tank, and Raymond Torres, Funcas Europe Director.

09-28
13:51

Recession, Inflation, Stagflation? Insights from the ECB and fiscal policy dilemmas

In today's show, we cover the most pressing economic topics on the EU's agenda:  Is Europe heading towards a recession along with persistent inflation –or stagflation in light of the recent decision of the ECB to raise interest rates? What could be a realistic fiscal scenario for the EU? The EIA is predicting a turn in energy demand, consistent with the need to fight climate change, echoing the recent G20 summit. What are the pre-requisites for this to happen in Europe?

09-15
10:47

Unpacking German economic troubles

Is the German economy again the sick man of Europe, as it was once labelled back in the late 90s? We take a look at the current economic challenges of Germany together with Sander Tordoir, Senior Economist at the Centre for European Reform, and Raymond Torres, Funcas Europe Director.

09-06
21:39

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