EU-RUSSIA: Kallas: 'Russia Cannot Be Trusted'; EU To Publish Defence White Paper
Reuters reporting comments from EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas, speaking on the phone call between Presidents Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin on 18 March. Kallas says that it is "clear that Russia does not really want to make any kind of concessions", and that "Russia can't be trusted." Claims that "what Russia wants is for Ukraine to let its guard down."
- Kallas says that southern Europe is part of the 'coalition of the willing' that will militarily help Ukraine. Following Putin's demand that all foreign aid to Kyiv stops, Kallas says that "Ukraine has to be able to defend itself".
- Regarding the initiative seeking more EU military aid for Ukraine, Kallas says "we are still working on it."
- Kallas' comments come as the European Commission is set to outline in more detail today its 'ReArm Europe' plan. Separately, Kallas and Defence Commissioner Andrius Kubilius will hold a presser around the release of a Commission white paper on EU defence. The College of Commissioners meet at 1030CET (0530ET, 0930GMT), with the presser taking place afterwards (no set time).
- Regarding aid to Ukraine, Reuters reports that according to its source German Finance Minister Jörg Kukies has told the Bundestag's budget committee of the expected approval of 'just over E2.5B' in military aid, that will rise to E3.0B when including the reimbursement of E453M, largely from the EU peace facility.
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SLOVAKIA: Coalition Leaders Meet As Fico's Ultimatum To Resolve Crisis Expires
The leaders of Slovakia's coalition parties Smer, Hlas and SNS will meet around lunchtime today in a bid to defuse the prolonged crisis within the governing camp, as its parliamentary majority hangs in balance and Prime Minister Robert Fico's ultimatum to resolve the situation is about to expire.
- Pravda reported that the coalition can probably count on the support of 76 lawmakers in the 150-seat unicameral parliament after striking a deal with a group of four non-aligned deputies, but would like to improve its position and secure the support of 79 deputies. This could be achieved through a truce with three Hlas rebels, with no clear plan on how to persuade them at the moment.
- Labor, Social Affairs and Family Mnister Erik Tomas (Hlas) told TA3 that "the Prime Minister informed us that if no agreement is reached, the Smer party is ready to support a snap election," possibly in June. However, Hlas remains opposed to this option and hopes that the negotiations today will help make progress in addressing the ongoing political crisis. Calling a snap election would require the support of at least 90 MPs.
- Fico had earlier warned that a failure to reach agreement with Hlas rebels and stabilise the government by February 17 would prompt him to "propose several changes to the government to the President on the same day". President Peter Pellegrini subsequently clarified that he would not immediately sign off on any such proposals, although local political analysts believe that the two leaders would probably quickly agree on the structure of a possible reshuffle.
RATINGS: Austria Outlook Moved To Stable From Positive By S&P On Friday
Rating reviews of note from after hours on Friday include:
- Fitch affirmed Czech Republic at AA-; Outlook Stable.
- Moody's affirmed Switzerland at Aaa; Outlook Stable.
- S&P affirmed Austria at AA+; Outlook revised to Stable from Positive.
- Morningstar DBRS confirmed Latvia at A; Stable Trend.
- Ireland saw unchanged ratings action from Moody’s (current rating: Aa3; Outlook Positive) and Scope Ratings (current rating: AA; Outlook Stable), following periodic monitoring reviews.
- Sweden saw unchanged ratings action from Scope Ratings (current rating: AAA; Outlook Stable) following a periodic monitoring review.
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