Podcasts
How does economic policy shape European markets?
In this episode of Top of the Agenda, Helen Jenkins sits down with Sir Philip Lowe, who spent over 40 years at the European Commission, to reflect on his career. From his early work in the 1970s responding to the decline of industries such as coal and… Read More
How will Europe be affected by the global oil and gas supply crisis?
The conflict between the US, Israel, and Iran, which has disrupted traffic in the Strait of Hormuz, has caused major disruption in global oil and gas supplies, triggering complex economic consequences across industries and markets far beyond the energy sector. In this episode of Top of the Agenda,… Read More
Draft merger guidelines: can we ensure dynamic and innovative markets flourish in Europe?
The European Commission’s draft merger guidelines are one of the most important ongoing debates in European policy. Nearly two decades have passed since the guidelines were last reviewed, and the new draft draws upon years of practice and precedent — reassessing core concerns around market power and consumer harm… Read More
PR24 redetermination: what the CMA’s decision means for UK households and water regulation
In this special edition of Top of the Agenda, we’re diving into the UK water sector to explore the Competition and Markets Authority’s (CMA) final determinations: the PR 24 Redetermination process. In England and Wales, the amount consumers pay for their water is regulated by the Office of… Read More
Behavioural economics: how does decision-making impact business and policy?
Behavioural economics is all around us — from competition rulings, like the Google Search ruling in the US, to EU regulations targeting online dark patterns. It affects how we combat consumer manipulation, design policy, and even understand the behaviour of music fans. In this latest episode, Helen Jenkins… Read More
Sports markets: are the rules right?
Sport is big business. Around a quarter of global spending on TV content is focused on sports rights acquisitions, rising from 38 billion USD in 2018 to 64 billion USD in 2025. Also on the rise are questions as to whether the right rules are in place to ensure… Read More
What is venture capital, how does it work, and what are the risks?
In the third and final episode demystifying private equity, we explore the world of venture capital. While venture capital has delivered exceptional returns for some investors and founders, it’s also very high risk. So, is vibrant venture capital essential for economies seeking to boost innovation and drive productive growth?… Read More
What’s holding back European defence and how can governments respond?
Since the end of the Cold War, Europe has enjoyed a ‘peace dividend’ driven by a reduced perception of military threat. Recent developments — including Russia’s invasion of Ukraine — have fundamentally altered this landscape. Europe now faces a hostile military power on its eastern border, while questions remain… Read More
The changing role of European competition policy: past, present and future
Over the past decade, the scope of European competition policy has expanded significantly beyond its traditional focus on cartels, mergers, abuses of dominance and state aid controls. Today, it is increasingly expected to contribute to broader policy objectives, including ensuring fair digital markets, supporting sustainability, resilience and strategic sovereignty,… Read More
What can the private sector do to promote and scale up climate adaptation?
Climate change is no longer a future threat, it’s a present-day reality that is reshaping economies, ecosystems, and societies around the world. As mitigation is no longer enough; adaptation is essential. Yet, despite increasing recognition of the need to invest in adaptation, global efforts remain fragmented and underfunded. Read More