Podcast Selection

The Vertical Block Exemption (VBER) Review

In this episode, we look at the Commission's draft Vertical Block Exemption Regulation (VBER) and associated Guidelines, which are set to replace the existing 11 year old legislation in advance of its expiration. The Commission…

A green fiscal pact

"How can the European Union increase green public investment while consolidating budget deficits? Past crises and consolidation episodes have resulted in major public investment cuts. However, in order to meet the European Union’s climate goals,…

The subtext of France and Australia’s submarine deal

It was supposed to be an announcement of a pact, not the start of a foreign relations crisis between allies. But as Australia announced a new security partnership with the UK and the US, dubbed…

Sunday September 26: A Democratic showdown on Capitol Hill

Democrats are split as they head into a critical week on Capitol Hill: moderates and progressives can't agree on the scope or price tag of the reconciliation bill that addresses everything from climate change to…

German Elections: Replacing Angela Merkel

Doug welcomes Judy Dempsey ahead of pivotal German elections on September 26.

Exploding energy prices

"Why the sudden spike in European electricity and gas prices? Wholesale gas prices have reached record highs in the past months, leaving EU governments scrambling for emergency aid to help households cope with their rising…

Unboxing the State of the Union 2021

"In this Sound of Economics Live episode, Bruegel experts look at the State of the Union address delivered by Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission. On 15 September Ursula von der Leyen,…

Christine Lagarde: the ECB chief talks COVID, climate and crypto

The president of the European Central Bank, ranked the world’s second most powerful woman by Forbes, chats with World Economic Forum Founder and Executive Chairman Klaus Schwab about what the world needs to do to…

Poland to pay daily fines over judicial reforms; Russia discredits the EU in Mali

This week our podcast focuses on the European Commission’s decision to step up its legal feud with Warsaw by asking the top EU court to impose a daily financial penalty on Poland for its’ non-compliance…

Nadia Calviño: Is Europe too fragmented to shape the 21st Century?

The covid pandemic and emerging superpower rivalries have presented the EU with troubling questions. Stephen Sackur speaks to Spain's Deputy Prime Minister and Economy minister Nadia Calviño. Is Europe too inward looking and too fragmented…

Methane: The other greenhouse gas

The latest UN climate report concludes that while carbon dioxide (CO2) is the main driver of global warming, another gas - methane - is likely responsible for between 30-50% of the current rise in temperatures.…

The EU recovery fund – state of play and outlook

"Live from the Annual Meetings: Bruegel Director Guntram Wolff discusses the EU recovery fund, its state of play and outlook with Nadia Calviño, First Vice-President and Minister for Economy and Digitalization of Spain and Professor…