Belgium's Leader Seeks EU Support on Russian Assets for Ukraine Aid
Belgium's Prime Minister, Bart De Wever, has asked European Union leaders for risk-sharing guarantees if frozen Russian assets in Belgium are used to finance loans to Ukraine. While EU leaders expressed support for the plan, Belgium insists on solid legal protections to avoid unilateral liabilities.
Belgium's Prime Minister Bart De Wever urged EU leaders to provide guarantees for shared responsibility if frozen Russian assets are utilized to fund loans to Ukraine. During a summit in Copenhagen, EU leaders discussed the 140 billion euro loan proposal using assets frozen in the West.
Concerns about legal intricacies have delayed the decision, with Belgium seeking assurances against potential backlash if assets must be returned. De Wever emphasized the need for collective accountability, saying, "There's no free money. There are always consequences."
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen assured Belgium's concerns would be considered, stressing a need for risk distribution among EU member states. The Kremlin criticized the plan as "pure theft," adding geopolitical tension to the complex fiscal discussions.
(With inputs from agencies.)
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