Europe between protectionism and openness: How to compete in a fragmented world
In this episode, our guest Ana María Santacreu, Senior Economic Policy Advisor at the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis, explains the twin pressures on Europe from rising protectionism and the “cost of openness.” Trade is fragmenting along geopolitical lines—especially in strategic sectors—while capital flows show less decoupling. Europe now faces China as a direct rival at the technological frontier and remains dependent on it for critical minerals and processing, creating choke points. Santacreu highlights three priorities: completing the single market, managing technological rivalry, and reducing supply concentration. She stresses that resilience “starts at home.” Miguel Ángel González-Simón, economist at Funcas, adds the need to advance Capital Markets Union and deepen ties with like-minded partners.
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35:31
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35:31
Europe’s AI moment: Between regulation and global relevance
In this episode of Future is Blue, Andrea Renda (CEPS) joins host Carlos Carnicero Urabayen to unpack the implications of the EU’s AI Act and Europe’s broader role in shaping global AI governance. Renda highlights the AI Act as a bold but complex regulatory effort, warning that its global influence may be limited unless backed by stronger investment and innovation capacity. He calls for a "digital social contract" built on corporate accountability, empowered civil society, and digital literacy, while cautioning against the risks of disinformation, labor disruption, and shortsighted automation. Despite these challenges, Renda remains optimistic about AI’s potential—especially in science and sustainability—and urges the EU to launch a large-scale initiative akin to a “CERN for AI” to lead in trustworthy, human-centric innovation. He also recommends two key reads: “Strengthening international cooperation on AI” (CEPS-Brookings) and “Towards a European large‑scale initiative on Artificial Intelligence: What are the options?”, both offering frameworks for Europe's next steps in AI leadership.
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29:29
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29:29
The growing influence of Brics+ and what it means for Europe
In this episode of Future is Blue, Carlos Carnicero Urabayen speaks with Raymond Torres, Director of Funcas Europe, about the growing influence of the BRICS+ group and what it means for Europe. They explore how these emerging economies are shifting global power dynamics—not only through faster growth but by leading in key sectors, forming new regional trade blocs, and pushing for financial reform. The conversation highlights the strategic challenges for the EU, from supply chain vulnerabilities to geopolitical competition, and outlines how Europe can stay relevant by deepening internal integration and forging smarter, more balanced partnerships with the Global South.
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18:14
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18:14
Rethinking the Single Market in a fragmenting world
As global trade fractures and geopolitical tensions mount, the EU’s Single Market is emerging as a vital strategic asset—but much of its potential remains untapped. In this Future is Blue episode, Carlos Carnicero Urabayen speaks with Lionel Fontagné (Paris School of Economics) and Miguel Ángel González Simón (Funcas) about the Single Market’s resilience, the gains it has already delivered, and the urgent need to deepen integration. With cross-border trade boosting EU members’ GDP by up to 9%, and “low-hanging fruit” that could double current gains, Europe has no time to lose in strengthening its economic core.
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30:21
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30:21
Europe’s housing dilemma: Insights from Germany and Spain
Germany and Spain are both grappling with rising housing costs, supply shortages, and the limits of rent control—but their policy paths diverge in key ways. In this episode of Future is Blue, Carlos Carnicero Urabayen speaks with Konstantin A. Kholodilin (DIW) and Miguel Ángel González Simón (Funcas) to explore how each country is responding to growing affordability pressures, what’s holding back new construction, and what strategic lessons Europe can draw from their experiences.
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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