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Future is Blue

Funcas Europe - Agenda Pública
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
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Episodes

A year of change in financial markets

In our conversation, we touch on these topics: - The overall situation in the markets in 2022 - Are there some sectors that are faring better? - Interest rates rise and banks’ profitability - Recent dynamics in the Spanish banking sector - Spanish banks and the factor of non-performing loans To discover key insights in all these questions take a look at the latest Funcas SEFO publications: - November edition - September edition...

Dec 15, 202210 minEp. 34

Deglobalisation: risks and opportunities for the EU

In this new episode Raymond Torres, Funcas Europe Director, talks with Carlos Carnicero Urabayen, Future is blue host, about the recent global trends pointing towards a deglobalisation process: Coronavirus lockdowns, the Chinese zero Covid policy, the war in Ukraine and other factors disrupting global supply chains.

Oct 26, 202216 minEp. 32

How different EU Member States are dealing with the energy crisis

In our episode Carlos Carnicero Urabayen interviews Francesco Sassi, Researcher specialized in Energy, Geopolitics, and Markets at RIE think tank in Bologna, Italy, to analyse how different EU Member States are dealing with the energy crisis.

Sep 29, 202220 minEp. 31

Will Europe's energy plans work?

These are the specific questions that we cover in today's show: 1. What are the latest EU decisions or announcements concerning energy markets? 2. To what extent will these measures appease inflationary pressures? 3. Is a recession in the EU unavoidable, in light of the trends in gas markets? 4. What are the key areas where further progress is needed in order for the EU to reach the goal of strategic autonomy with respect to energy?

Sep 21, 202223 minEp. 30

Is the ECB getting it right?

Raymond Torres analyses the latest decisions by the European Central Bank, including the 0.5% increase in interest rates and the announcement of the TPI mechanism to prevent another Eurozone debt crisis. Carlos Carnicero Urabayen hosts the discussion.

Jul 26, 202213 minEp. 27

Are we safe from another housing market crash?

Carlos Carnicero Urabayen interviews Judit Montoriol Garriga, Lead economist at CaixaBank Research to talk about the current situation of the housing market and the risks that another recession may bring.

Jul 13, 202216 minEp. 26

How to deal with stagflation

Iain Begg has recently published Stagflation: the return of an unwelcome monster In our conversation we cover the drivers of the current economic situation and we analyse why it is so difficult for policymakers to get the right answer when it comes to dealing with stagflation. We also touch on Europe's energy dependence from Russia and how the green transition can help to alleviate the current situation....

Jun 30, 202223 minEp. 25

The Impact of the global food crisis and potential policy answers

Ukraine is a major exporter of agricultural products, especially sunflower oil and wheat, but, due to the war, key export routes, through the country’s Black Sea ports, are now blocked because of a de-facto Russian naval blockade. This is driving prices up for grain and cooking oil, making imports less affordable in poorer countries and contributing, together with rising energy prices, to a cost-of-living crisis even in rich economies, thereby further increasing the likelihood of a global recess...

Jun 15, 202222 minEp. 24

Can Europe win the global semiconductors race?

A couple of months ago the European Commission announced the EU Chips Act, an initiative putting together 11 billions of public funds for the research, design and manufacture of semiconductors. The goal is to mobilise a total of 43 billion euros of public and private investment until 2030. To discuss this crucial subject, we are joined in this podcast episode by Elena Pisonero , a top expert with plenty of entrepreneurial and business experience. She is the founder and CEO of Taldig , a business...

May 03, 202221 minEp. 22

How is Ukraine's war affecting the Russian and European economies?

In this new episode we take a look at the following questions: - Is the economic pain manageable for Russia as long as oil and gas stays out of this economic war? - What would be the implications for both Russia and European economies if oil and gas are included in the sanctions mix? - Is recession in Europe a real risk as the war's end is not in sight?

Apr 14, 202220 minEp. 21

Why the West needs a sanctions strategy

In this episode, we cover these questions: Can Europe afford to implement an energy embargo against Russia?, What are Russia's options to retaliate economically against the West? Will China step in and aid financially its Russian ally? Would it make a difference to include other Russian banks in the SWIFT ban? Don't miss Zach Meyers new paper: The West needs a sanctions strategy...

Mar 23, 202227 minEp. 20

Economic and energy implications of Ukraine's war in Europe

In this episode we discuss topics such as Europe’s dependency on Russian gas, the economic consequences of sanctions on Russia for European economies and the implications of the ongoing crisis on Europe’s energy transition plans.

Feb 25, 202221 minEp. 19

The most important economic challenges facing the EU in 2022

Is the recovery strong enough? Are the EU Next Generation programs robust enough to keep the recovery momentum? How concerning is inflation? To get some answers we are joined by Jean Pisani-Ferry, Tommaso Padoa Shioppa chair of the European University Institute and Senior Fellow at Bruegel think tank, and Raymond Torres, Funcas Europe Director.

Feb 07, 202220 minEp. 18

What to expect from the world economy in 2022

After an expansion of 5.5% in 2021, driven mostly by consumer spending a spike in investment and trade in goods above pre pandemic levels, global output is projected to grow by only 4% in 2022 and 3.5% in 2023. There are a number of concerning factors for policymakers, such as the spread of new variants, persistent labour market and supply chain challenges, rising inflation…. Now, can any of this trigger a major crisis?

Jan 19, 202220 minEp. 17

Why the EU needs a green golden rule

How can we reconcile the need of increasing green public investment in the EU while consolidating public deficits after the pandemic? Don't miss our discussion featuring Guntram B. Wolff, Director of Bruegel think tank, Raymond Torres, Funcas Europe Director, and Carlos Carnicero Urabayen, Future is blue host.

Dec 16, 202123 minEp. 16

Making fiscal rules friendly to public investment

We continue our debate about the need for the EU to equip itself with new fiscal rules. A new pact is needed to preserve recovery, gradually consolidate public deficits and protect public investment, particularly green investment. Paul De Grauwe, John Paulson Chair in European Political Economy at the London School of Economics joins this conversation with Raymond Torres, Funcas Europe Director, and Carlos Carnicero Urabayen, Future is blue editorial coordinator.

Dec 09, 202127 minEp. 15

The EU needs new fiscal rules

The current rules were born in the 90s and, in a nutshell, they mandate Member States to keep public debt below 60% and public deficits below 3% of GDP. Fiscal rules were suspended last year so that Member States had fiscal margin to fight an unprecedented crisis. Now everyone seems to agree that we need a new framework. In this episode we cover why the EU needs different fiscal rules and why a green golden rule may be a good idea. We also discuss the potential obstacles for reform....

Nov 24, 202122 minEp. 14

Fighting climate change after Glasgow

Don't miss this episode if you want to know what are the key takeaways of the UN COP26 Glasgow summit. We also take a look at how economic recovery can be affected by green transition plans. Is Europe doing enough to fight climate change? Can the green agenda be challenged by a cold and expensive winter? These are some of the questions driving the conversation between María Mendiluce and Raymond Torres.

Nov 17, 202117 minEp. 13

Can labour shortages risk economic recovery?

There are not enough workers. Businesses are struggling to hire all the workers they need. As of the first quarter of 2021, the eurozone´s active workforce remained 2.6 million below pre-pandemic levels, while the US labour force still has almost 2 million fewer people. What can policymakers in both side of the Atlantic do about it?

Oct 20, 202117 minEp. 12

Can the energy price crisis put at risk the green agenda?

In this episode we are covering one of the most concerning developments we are witnessing over the past few weeks: the rising energy prices. As cold temperatures start knocking on our doors, some fear we are approaching an expensive winter that could complicate the green agenda. Don't miss this conversation hosted by Carlos Carnicero Urabayen with Annika Hedberg and Raymond Torres.

Oct 05, 202125 minEp. 11

German elections: the centre won and what it means for Europe

Olaf Scholz, the SPD candidate has come first with a very small margin. Presumably, he will try now to form a coalition with the Green Party and the liberals of FDP. This would be the so-called traffic light coalition (red, green and yellow). A Jamaica option is also on the table (with the CDU joined by Greens and Liberals). Worth noting as well that in both traffic light and Jamaica option , the Greens would be positioned as the second partner. This should be important for the EU economic agend...

Sep 29, 202120 minEp. 10

Key economic concerns for policymakers after the summer

Raymond Torres in conversation with Carlos Carnicero Urabayen analyse the key economic risks for the rest of 2021. Recovery is well under way and unemployment keeps falling in most EU countries. Pre-pandemic jobs levels are expected in the next few quarters. However, there are a few concerns to keep a close eye on over the next few months. Inflation, high levels of public debt and the capacity to combine economic life with a persistent pandemic are key economic concerns these days.

Sep 07, 202113 minEp. 9

Work after the pandemic: The ups and downs of automation and hybrid trends

The pandemic has changed pretty much everything, forcing us to think of new ways of doing things. After more than a year of remote work, now that we are entering a postpandemic world, the future looks more and more hybrid, with a mix of office and home-based working. Automation and the digitalisation of most sectors is also happening at an unprecedented speed. Now, what are the broader implications of these trends for our economies and our labour markets? Don't miss this discussion featuring Céc...

Jul 12, 202121 minEp. 8

A global minimum tax gains momentum

Is the global minimum tax such a revolutionary achievement as it sounds? Will multinationals find ways to escape the new tax system proposed at the heart of the G7? Is there a risk that a tax system of this nature can put at risk global recovery? These are some of the questions that we address in this discussion hosted by Carlos Carnicero Urabayen and with the participation of Zach Meyers, research fellow at the Centre for European Reform, and Raymond Torres, Funcas Europe Director.

Jun 14, 202120 minEp. 7

Spain’s recovery plan: challenges and opportunities

Miguel Carrión, Funcas Europe analyst, talks to Carlos Carnicero Urabayen about Spain’s recovery plan - what we know so far, what’s missing and how it can contribute to help the Spanish economy recover from the COVID shock. Host: Carlos Carnicero Urabayen A project of Funcas Europe . Produced by Agenda Pública .

Apr 19, 202128 minEp. 6

Commodities’ surging prices and the challenges for Europe’s recovery

Carlos Carnicero Urabayen hosts a discussion with Raymond Torres , Funcas Europe Director, and Lourdes Casanova , Gail and Rob Cañizares Director, Emerging Markets Institute, Cornell Univerisity, about the implications of the recent surge in commodities’ prices for Europe’s economic recovery and the balance of power between global powers in a post Corona world.” Host: Carlos Carnicero Urabayen Edition: Franco Delle Donne A project of Funcas Europe . Produced by Agenda Pública ....

Apr 06, 202126 minEp. 5
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