This warning comes as the European Union unveils a plan to finance Ukraine with €90 billion over the next two years using these assets. In contrast, Belgium, where the largest share of assets is frozen through the “Euroclear” group, has expressed judicial concerns and rejects the plan so far.
In conjunction with military pressure on Kyiv and the commitment of EU leaders to continue supporting it, and amid pressure from US President Donald Trump to end the war with a settlement they deem unfavorable to Ukraine, European leaders are looking at how to finance a loan to Kyiv to be repaid later from Russian reparations.
In this context, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz held a meeting described as “constructive” with his Belgian counterpart Bart De Wever and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, stressing that Belgian concerns are “undeniable” and that risks must be distributed among all European countries. His spokesman, Stefan Cornelius, announced an agreement to continue the discussion in pursuit of a “common solution” before the next EU summit on December 18 and 19. Meanwhile, Nechayev considered that the plan reflects Europe’s lack of “necessary resources” to continue supporting Ukraine. (24)
