Centre for European Reform

The Centre for European Reform (CER) is a thinktank that provides analysis on European economic and political issues. It has recently gained prominence due to its critical reports on Germany's economic relationship with China. A recent CER report highlights a "China shock" as a primary driver of Germany's industrial decline, urging Berlin to adopt stronger EU measures against Beijing. The thinktank warns that Germany risks deindustrialization similar to that experienced by the US if it continues to overlook the growing trade imbalance with China. Specifically, the CER noted a doubling of China's surplus with Germany between 2024 and 2025, contributing to a significant trade deficit. The organization's current relevance lies in its influential commentary on major European economic challenges and its policy recommendations for navigating global trade dynamics.