MNI POLITICAL RISK ANALYSIS – Week Ahead 23-29 May

Executive Summary

Monday 23 May:

• US-Japan: US President Joe Biden held meeting with Japanese PM Fumio Kishida as part of Biden’s multi-day visit to Asia. During a joint presser, Biden stated that the US and Japan would ‘stand firmly’ against any Chinese efforts to take control of Taiwan by military force and defend the island. Aides to the president stated that the remarks did not represent a change in the US’ ‘One China’ policy towards Taiwan.
• Global: First day of the World Economic Forum (WEF) annual meeting gets underway in Davos, Switzerland. This is the first in-person WEF since the pandemic and the first to take place in spring rather than winter. On Monday notable speakers include Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy (via videolink), US Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV), Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al Thani, and IMF MD Kristalina Georgieva.
• European Union:General affairs council with EU minsters from member states. Topics of discussion include discussing potential conclusions to be adopted by member state leaders at the 30-31 May special EUCO summit. Also, a hearing on Hungary takes place regarding Article 7(1) proceedings being brought against the government in Budapest for alleged rule of law breaches.
• Eurozone:Eurogroup meeting of EU finance ministers in Brussels. Meeting states at 1500CET (0900ET, 1400BST). Minsters are due to discuss the macroeconomic developments in the eurozone based on the Commission’s spring forecasts, as well as a discussion on the potential next managing director of the ESM, and in its inclusive format (with all EU member finance ministers) talk further on Banking Union.

MNI POLITICAL RISK ANALYSIS – Week Ahead 23-29 May.pdf