The Sound of Economics

Author: Bruegel

The Sound of Economics brings you insights, debates, and research-based discussions on economic policy in Europe and beyond. The podcast is produced by Bruegel, an independent and non-doctrinal think tank based in Brussels. It seeks to contribute to European and global economic policy-making through open, fact-based, and policy-relevant research, analysis, and debate.
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Language: en

Genres: Business, Business News, News

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AI, data and Europe’s quest to simplify
Wednesday, 7 January, 2026

In this episode of The Sound of Economics, host Rebecca Christie sits down with Bruegel’s Mario Mariniello and Bertin Martens to discuss technology regulation in the European Union. Brussels hopes to make its complicated rulebook more fit for purpose with digital “omnibus” plans, intended to streamline and improve oversight. But artificial intelligence, data collection and relations with United States tech giants are tricky subjects that may not be so easily addressed. How should companies manage data? What are the consequences for EU citizens, particularly those from minority language groups? And what kind of innovation can policy encourage in Europe? New technologies move fast, and the EU will need to balance precaution with experimentation.Related research: Christie, R., Cipollone, P., Hernández de Cos, P. (2025) 'Digital euro: why now and what's next', Podcast, 18 June, Bruegel, available at https://www.bruegel.org/podcast/digital-euro-why-now-and-whats-next Mariniello, M. (2025) 'The European Commission’s Digital Omnibus could increase risks, not growth', First Glance, 13 November, Bruegel, available at https://www.bruegel.org/first-glance/european-commissions-digital-omnibus-could-increase-risks-not-growth Mariniello, M. (2025) 'Efficiency and distribution in the European Union’s digital deregulation push', Policy Brief, 20 November, Bruegel, available at https://www.bruegel.org/policy-brief/efficiency-and-distribution-european-unions-digital-deregulation-push Martens, B. (2025) 'The European Union needs more than the digital omnibus to make digital services competitive', Analysis, 8 December, Bruegel, available at https://doi.org/10.64153/NIRG1605