Photo : Russian Defence Ministry/TASS
31 January 2023, Tuesday | NIAS Europe Daily Brief #424
War in Ukraine: Day 341
By Padmashree Anandhan
War on the ground
On 30 January, Ukraine spokesperson Andriy Yermak reported on Poland’s decision to send F-16 fighter jets. Ukraine also aims to get F-16 or F-15 from the US, Germany’s Tornados, and Swedish Gripens. On the same day, Denmark’s Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen met Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy where both discussed on Denmark’s support to rebuild infrastructure facilities in Mykolaiv. Apart from that they also discussed on sending 19 Caesar howitzers and talks on joining a tank coalition, anti-aircraft, and anti-ship defence.
The Moscow View
Claims by Russia
On 30 January, TASS reported on Russia’s spokesperson Dmitry Peskov criticism on West for escalating the war through supply of weapons to Ukraine. He said: “The West has been encouraging these demands, [while confirming] its readiness to provide these weapons…leading to a major escalation, with NATO countries getting increasingly involved in this conflict directly.” The response comes after the US, and Germany agreed to send Abrams battle tanks, and Leopard tanks to Ukraine.
On 30 January, the Russian Defence Ministry reported on blocking attempt of US’s “military biological programme” in Ukraine. According to the spokesperson, Russia had received information on Ukrainian projects that focused on studying African swine fever, Congo hemorrhagic fever agents and Hantaviruses in Ukraine. Upon finding the materials will now be sent to Russia’s investigation committee to take action.
IN BRIEF
By Madhura S Mahesh
POLAND
Mateusz announces to increase defence budget
On 30 January, Poland’s Prime Minister Mateusz Morawieck announced that Poland will be increasing its defence budget from 2.4 per cent to four per cent of its GDP. As a part of this increased spending, Poland will be purchasing 116 Abrams tanks worth USD 1.4 billion from the US. It will also be purchasing 180 K2 “Black Panther” from South Korea and plans to acquire over 800 units of the tank whose production begins in Poland in 2026. Poland will also be purchasing around 48 FA-50 light combat fighter jets and 600 K9 howitzers from South Korea. It also will be increasing its armed personnel from 50,000 to 250,000 in the coming years. (“Poland to ramp up defense budget to 4% of GDP,” Deutsche Welle, 30 January 2023)
PORTUGAL
Constitutional Court rejects law decriminalizing euthanasia
On 30 January, the Portuguese Constitutional Court rejected a law decriminalizing euthanasia outlining the vague wording. The court said that the text of the law fails to define “suffering of great intensity” which could lead to “medically assisted death.” This is the second such law to be rejected by the Court which rejected a similar law in March 2021. Portugal’s parliament has been trying to decriminalize euthanasia for three years but has faced consistent opposition from Protugals’ President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa. (“Portugal's Constitutional Court rejects decriminalisation of euthanasia,” The Brussels Times, 31 January 2023)
TURKEY
Opposition plans to reduce Presidential powers if elected in the 2023 elections
On 30 January, the Turkish six-party opposition coalition to decrease Presidential power if elected in the 2023 elections. The six-party National Alliance presented a joint 240-page, 2,300-point programme outlining Turkey’s future post the 2023 election. While the opposition has not named a Presidential candidate, it vows to remove policies introduced by President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan such as the implementation of a presidential system in 2017 which abolished the office of prime minister and increased the powers of the President. The 2,300-point programme includes plans to limit the presidential term to seven years, strengthen the parliament, combat rising inflation and economic instability, strengthen ties with the US and focus on Turkey’s accession to the EU. The National Alliance or the Table of Six consists of the Republican People’s Party (CHP), Good Party, Felicity Party, Democrat Party, Democracy and Progress Party, and Future Party. (“Turkey opposition vows to cut presidential powers if it wins vote,” Al Jazeera, 30 January 2023)
REGIONAL
Finland reiterates its request to join NATO with Sweden
On 30 January, Finland’s Foreign Affairs Minister Pekka Haavisto reiterates Finland’s NATO membership bid alongside Sweden. Haavisto said: “Sweden is our closest ally in defence and foreign policy.” He added that he expects Finland and Sweden will be members of NATO before the NATO summit in July. This comes as Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan said: “We may respond differently to Finland if necessary,” and added that Finland should not go down the same route as Sweden. (“Haavisto: Finland has patience to wait for Nato membership — with Sweden,” yle, 30 January 2023; “Türkiye may favor Finland’s NATO bid,” Hürriyet Daily News, 30 January 2023)
Italy urges caution over the relaxation of EU state aid rules
On 30 January, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni advised the EU to be cautious over the relaxation of EU rules on state aid for business. Meloni said: “the aim should be supporting businesses without risking to weaken the single market.” This comes as the EU looks to amend its state aid rules to prevent a decrease in investments due to the US Inflation Reduction Act. She also advocated for the setting up of an EU sovereign investment fund to help European companies. (“Italy's Meloni says caution needed on relaxing EU rules on state aid,” Reuters, 30 January 2023)
INTERNATIONAL
Protest erupts in Jakarta over Quran burning in Sweden and the Netherlands
On 30 January, hundreds of protestors took to the streets to protest against the Quran burning incident in Sweden and the Netherlands. The protestors marched to the Swedish embassy in Jakarta carrying white flags. They also burnt the flags of Sweden, Denmark and the Netherlands as a sign of protest. The Swedish Embassy in Jakarta said: “the Islamophobic act committed by a far-right extremist in Sweden is strongly rejected by the Swedish government.” It added: This act does not in any way reflect the opinions of the Swedish government,” This comes after Danish far-right activist Ramsus Paludan burnt the Quran in front of the Turkish Embassy in Sweden and a mosque in Denmark. (Andi Jatmiko “Indonesian Muslims protest Quran burning in Sweden,” AP News, 30 January 2023)
Germany to provide EUR 200 million to Brazil towards the protection of the Amazon rainforest
On 30 January, Germany’s Development Minister Svenja Schulze said that Germany will be proving EUR 200 million towards the protection of the Amazon rainforest. Schulze said that the aid will be provided to Brazil in the form of donations and credits. The aid will also include socio-environmental projects in the Brazillian Amazon forest regions. It will also include low-interest loans to farmers towards the reforestation of agricultural land. Schulze said that the measures will be initiated in 100 days. Out of the EUR 200 million, EUR 35 million will be donated to the Amazon fund. (“Germany pledges funds to help Brazil defend Amazon rainforest,” Reuters, 31 January 2023)
Czech President-elect holds phone call with Taiwan President
On 30 January, Czech Republic President-elect Petr Pavel held a telephone meeting with Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen. Pavel said: “I assured her that Taiwan and the Czech Republic share the values of freedom, democracy, and human rights. We agreed on strengthening our partnership.” Pavel becomes the first elected European head of state to hold a direct political meeting with Taiwanese officials. The Chinese diplomats in the Czech Republic reportedly tried to stop the meeting from happening. Pave’s move to have direct dialogue with Taiwan marks a shift in foreign policy from President Miloš Zeman who has advocated a pro-China stance. (Stuart Lu “New Czech president risks China’s rage with call to Taiwanese leader,” Politico, 30 January 2023)