Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever has warned that his country may block the plan to use frozen Russian assets for Ukraine if the European Union does not agree to share financial risks among all member states.
Source: Bukvy
De Wever stated that Belgium demands a “full sharing of risks” in the event that Russia files lawsuits to recover the funds. He emphasized that all EU countries must act jointly and contribute if Moscow presents legal claims.
“If these three conditions — which I consider completely reasonable — are not met, I will do everything possible to stop this decision, both at the European and national levels,” De Wever said.
The European Union is currently discussing a plan to use the frozen assets of Russia’s Central Bank to provide Ukraine with a €140 billion loan. The funds are expected to be repaid if Russia agrees to pay reparations.
Belgium is considered the most vulnerable party, as most Russian assets are held in the Brussels-based financial company Euroclear. The country fears that in the event of Russian lawsuits, it would bear the main financial burden.
De Wever also warned that using “Putin’s money” could provoke retaliation, as Moscow might impose countermeasures against European companies.
In response, the European Commission has offered Belgium an “individual zero-interest debt contract” guaranteeing compensation in the event of Russian claims. However, Belgian authorities insist that these guarantees must have a clear legal foundation.
The EU plan is supported by the United Kingdom and Canada, while the United States has so far refrained from participation, focusing instead on selling weapons to Ukraine under new contracts approved by President Donald Trump’s administration.
European leaders hope to reach a political agreement soon to ensure Ukraine’s financial stability without adding further strain to EU member states’ budgets.
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