Caught between a more confrontational United States and growing competition from China, the European Union faces mounting pressure to boost growth, strengthen competitiveness and preserve its global influence.

Ahead of the G7 summit, Bloomberg has been speaking with policymakers, investors and economists about Europe's path forward. In this special podcast, Stephen Carroll draws on conversations with former European Commission Executive Vice-President Margrethe Vestager, Columbia University's Anu Bradford and Citadel's Angel Ubide, alongside reporting from Bloomberg's Brussels Bureau Chief Suzanne Lynch, and exclusive Bloomberg Economics analysis from Chief Euro Area Economist Simona Delle Chiaie. They examine whether Europe is finally ready to deliver the reforms it has long discussed.