European Commission
Italy, Belgium, Malta, and Bulgaria have opposed the EU's plan to transfer 210 billion euros of frozen Russian assets to Ukraine. They are calling on the European Commission to consider alternative options for financial assistance, such as joint EU debt.
The European Commission is ready to include the guarantees that Belgium is demanding for the use of immobilized assets of the Russian central bank. This will allow Ukraine to be provided with a "reparation loan" to compensate for war damages.
Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico stated that he would not support the European Commission's proposal for a reparations loan to Ukraine using frozen Russian assets if the funds were to be used for military purposes. He sent a letter to the President of the European Council, António Costa, warning of a blockade of decisions regarding the financing of Ukraine's military needs for 2026-2027.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen stated that the EU is committed to a just and lasting peace for Ukraine that will not contain the seeds of future conflicts. During the meeting of the "Coalition of the Willing," the need for reliable security guarantees and funding for Ukraine for 2026-2027 was also discussed.
The European Commission refused to comment on media reports about the alleged expanded US National Security Strategy. According to the press, the document names Italy, Austria, and Poland as targets for weakening ties with the EU.
EU Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos and Ukraine's Deputy Prime Minister for European Integration Taras Kachka announced in Lviv an agreed action plan for Ukraine for the coming year. The plan envisages accelerating key reforms and aims to confirm the country's readiness for EU membership.
The European Union has announced the approval of a new approach to Ukraine's accession talks, which provides for technical negotiations to advance the process. This decision was made following an informal meeting of the bloc's European affairs ministers in Lviv.
The European Union is developing strategies to persuade Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever to support the allocation of 210 billion euros to Ukraine. If Belgium continues to block the plan, it may be ignored at the EU level, similar to Hungary.
Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever does not rule out legal action if the EU decides to seize Russian assets in Euroclear, emphasizing that the risks cannot be borne solely by Belgium. He considers confiscation a radical and ill-considered step, proposing other options for financing aid to Ukraine.
Chipmaker Intel has lost its appeal against a European Union antitrust decision. However, the court reduced the fine imposed on the company two years ago by a third, cutting it by 140 million euros.
The President of the European Council, António Costa, is confident that a decision on financing for Ukraine for 2026-2027 will be made at the December EU summit. He noted that the bloc is "very close to reaching a decision" amid the proposal of two options: a "reparations loan" or EU borrowing.
The European Union has launched an investigation into Google, suspecting abuse of its dominant position through the use of content for AI tools. The Commission will check whether Google distorts competition by imposing unfair terms on publishers and content creators.
Japan rejected the EU's proposal to use frozen Russian assets to finance Ukraine. Tokyo refused to use $30 billion in frozen assets held on its territory to issue a loan to Ukraine.
G7 countries are ready to consider confiscating all frozen Russian assets to achieve a just peace in Ukraine. The Group of Seven will work on financial support for Ukraine, including the use of sovereign Russian assets.
Donald Trump stated that Europe "is moving in a bad direction," expressing the US's unwillingness to see such significant changes. He called the EU's fine on the social network X "disgusting."
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, President of the European Council António Costa, and President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen. The diplomatic track, security guarantees, the PURL initiative, and a reparations loan were discussed.
President Zelenskyy reported 24/7 communication with partners, which confirms Europe's maximum involvement in resolving the Ukrainian issue. He discussed support for Ukraine, strengthening air defense, and energy assistance with representatives of many countries and international organizations.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy will meet with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President António Costa in Brussels. The issue of using frozen Russian assets for Ukraine's reconstruction or armament will be discussed.
The President of the European Commission also emphasized that "Europe's defense is our responsibility," summarizing plans to increase defense spending and production.
The EU has agreed to tighten migration rules, which include accelerating deportations and reducing social benefits for rejected asylum seekers. An annual Solidarity Fund of 420 million euros is also being created for 2026 to support member states most affected by migration pressure.
France is under pressure to finance Ukraine using €18 billion in Russian sovereign assets, whose location Paris has concealed for over two years. These assets, mostly immobilized in private banks, represent the second-largest accumulation of frozen Russian central bank assets in Europe.
Seven EU countries have called for the use of frozen Russian assets to finance a reparations loan to Ukraine. This decision will strengthen Ukraine's position and ensure compensation for damages caused by the aggression.
EU countries will have to allocate billions of euros to guarantee loans to Ukraine totaling up to 210 billion euros, with Germany providing support of up to 52 billion euros. The European Commission presented these figures after proposing a "reparation loan" for Ukraine of 165 billion euros from frozen Russian assets.
Hungary and Slovakia will file a motion with the European Court of Justice to overturn the RePowerEU plan, which provides for a complete ban on imports of Russian gas and oil. Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó stated that this step is due to the threat to secure energy supply and rising prices.
The European Commission lost access to its advertising account on the X social network after being fined 120 million euros for violating transparency rules. Company representative Nikita Bier stated that the account was blocked due to an attempt to exploit a vulnerability.
Polish Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski recommended Elon Musk to go to Mars. This happened after Musk proposed the idea of dissolving the European Union, criticizing the EU for a fine of 120 million euros.
European Union leaders will discuss the use of frozen Russian assets to support Ukraine at a summit on December 18. Belgium has a special position on this issue, and the US is trying to block EU plans to use these assets.
Lithuania revoked residence permits for 145 Russian citizens due to frequent trips to Russia and Belarus, guided by the law "On restrictive measures in connection with military aggression. " Among those deprived of residence permits is former human rights activist Mikhail Benyash, who visited Minsk to meet with his son.
Elon Musk reacted to the European Commission's decision to fine the social network X, stating that the European Union should be "abolished. " He believes that sovereignty should be returned to individual countries.
Hungary blocked the decision to issue Eurobonds to finance Ukraine, which was an alternative to the "reparation loan. " Belgium also opposes it due to fears of lawsuits from Russia.