About this episode
As COP30 approaches, what is the real state of EU–China climate relations?
In this episode of The Sound of Economics, Yuyun Zhan sits down with Alicia García-Herrero and Cecilia Trasi to explore the state of EU–China climate relations. The discussion explores how both economies share a vision for a green transition but follow strikingly different paths—China prioritising industrial policy and green technology exports, the EU focusing on costly emission pricing and regulation.
They also identify pragmatic areas of collaboration like common taxonomies for green finance or joint circular-economy initiatives. They also reflect on whether either side can lead the global climate agenda in a fragmented geopolitical landscape.
Relevant research
In this episode of The Sound of Economics, Yuyun Zhan sits down with Alicia García-Herrero and Cecilia Trasi to explore the state of EU–China climate relations. The discussion explores how both economies share a vision for a green transition but follow strikingly different paths—China prioritising industrial policy and green technology exports, the EU focusing on costly emission pricing and regulation.
They also identify pragmatic areas of collaboration like common taxonomies for green finance or joint circular-economy initiatives. They also reflect on whether either side can lead the global climate agenda in a fragmented geopolitical landscape.
Relevant research
- Trasi, C. (2025) 'Convergence, not alignment: EU-China climate relations ahead of COP30', Analysis, 9 October, Bruegel
- García-Herrero, A. (2025) 'Escalating US-China rare earth tensions signal determination to decouple', First Glance, 15 October, Bruegel
This episode is part of the ZhōngHuá Mundus series of The Sound of Economics. ZhōngHuá Mundus is a newsletter by Bruegel, bringing you monthly analysis of China in the world, as seen from Europe. Sign up now to receive it in your mailbox!
Get every episode summarized
Each time The Sound of Economics publishes, we email you a written briefing from the transcript — the topics, who appeared, and any specific claims, with the ad reads skipped.
Email me new episodesFree for 3 shows. No card needed.
Hosts & guests
No transcript yet
This episode has not been transcribed. Request it and it moves to the front of the queue.
More episodes
More from The Sound of Economics
What the heck is a 28th Regime?
The Sound of Economics
Mar 25, 202646:45failed
Italy and Europe
The Sound of Economics
Mar 18, 202638:27failed
First assessment of China's 15th Five-Year Plan
The Sound of Economics
Mar 13, 202631:08completed
Inflation, Iran and the Industrial Accelerator Act
The Sound of Economics
Mar 11, 202653:53failed