European Commission
The European Central Bank has rejected participation in the European Commission's proposal to use frozen Russian assets. This complicates the attraction of a loan secured by the immobilized assets of the Russian central bank.
European governments accuse Belgium of excessive demands for protection in case the Kremlin sues over the use of 140 billion euros in frozen Russian assets. This could derail negotiations on the EU's plan to provide these assets to Ukraine before the December summit.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced the preparation of new EU sanctions against Belarus. This is a response to hybrid actions against Lithuania, including an increase in the number of incursions by contraband balloons.
He emphasized the importance of progress in developing security guarantees and a long-term foundation for the stability of Ukraine and Europe.
The European Commission is actively, though not publicly, participating in peace consultations on Ukraine, maintaining constant contact with Kyiv and the United States. Brussels ensures that the EU's interests are taken into account in the discussions and supports Ukraine's sovereignty.
The European Commission is developing a list of satellite services for EU military needs, which will be integrated into a new satellite constellation. The project envisages investments in satellites to provide high-quality Earth images at 30-minute intervals.
European Council President António Costa will host an informal meeting of EU leaders on February 12 at Alden Biesen Castle, Belgium, to discuss Europe's competitiveness. The meeting will follow discussions on the European Commission's proposal for a pan-European industrial revival.
EU diplomacy chief Kaja Kallas stated that Belgium has legitimate concerns about the risks of a reparations loan for Ukraine, but other member states are ready to share these risks. The European Commission continues consultations with member states, including Belgium, on this issue.
The European Commission is consulting with member states on a "reparations loan," but Belgium is resisting. EU leaders must find a solution before the December 18-19 summit, as all options have weaknesses.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron in Paris. This comes amid Donald Trump's optimism about a deal to end Russia's war against Ukraine.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy held talks with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. Diplomatic issues, strengthening Ukraine's resilience, and the negotiation process to end the war were discussed.
The Palestinian Authority continues to pay money to imprisoned terrorists and their families, violating its commitments to Great Britain and the EU. Payments are made through a new social welfare program, which has caused concern for the European Commission.
The UK has announced the collapse of talks to join the EU's SAFE defense fund, a setback for the post-Brexit reset of relations. The country rejected EU demands to contribute billions of euros for access, despite the fact that its defense industry can still participate in projects under third-country conditions.
Belgium is slowing down the EU's decision to transfer frozen Russian assets to Ukraine, fearing legal claims from Russia and undermining trust in its financial institutions. This could also affect peace negotiations with Russia, which might refuse dialogue.
EU countries are increasing pressure on Belgium to unblock 140 billion euros of frozen Russian reserves. Belgium is accused of concealing information about tax revenues received from these assets.
Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever stated that the EU's plan to use frozen Russian assets to finance Ukraine could harm a peace agreement. Belgium has not seen the legal wording from the European Commission, which will present a proposal this week on the use of the assets.
The European Commission is urging Western allies to speed up payments on a $50 billion loan to Ukraine. This comes as Belgium is stalling EU efforts to support Ukraine with a larger financing scheme using Russian assets.
Ukrainian refugees in the Netherlands will receive a special temporary status in 2027, which provides for self-payment of housing and health insurance for those employed. This plan aims to reduce costs and encourage Ukrainians to return home after peace is established.
EU officials do not expect new sanctions against Russia before the holidays, and discussions on the 20th sanctions package are reportedly not expected to begin until January. This package will reportedly focus on closing loopholes, particularly in the export of natural rubber, which is used in Russia's defense industry.
According to the depository's management, this could scare investors in European government debt and lead to countermeasures from the Russian side.
Frozen Russian assets could be the only way to end the war in Ukraine and prevent its spread to Europe. Europe must demand a just peace for Ukraine, using confiscated assets to save it.
NATO chief Mark Rutte stated that Russia has no veto right on Ukraine's accession to the Alliance, rejecting a peace deal proposal that would block Ukraine's entry into NATO. He added that the Washington Treaty allows any country in the Euro-Atlantic region to join.
The Ministry of Community Development has announced a call for applications from local self-government bodies to participate in a pilot project to create a municipal fund of affordable rental housing. The project's funding involves attracting 100 million euros from the European Investment Bank and the European Commission.
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy held a conversation with the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen. Issues of strengthening sanctions against Russia, financial assistance to Ukraine, and the use of frozen Russian assets were discussed.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen outlined five EU priorities for peace talks to end Russia's war against Ukraine in the European Parliament on November 26. She emphasized the importance of a just peace, Ukraine's sovereignty, financial support, the role of the EU and NATO, and the return of abducted children.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced her readiness to present a legal text for a reparations loan to Ukraine amounting to €140 billion. This will happen after presenting EU countries with financing options for Ukraine in 2026-2027.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen reported significant progress in the negotiations of the Coalition of the Willing on sustainable peace in Ukraine. She emphasized the importance of transatlantic cooperation and continued support for Ukraine, including the use of frozen Russian assets.
French President Emmanuel Macron stated that a decision regarding frozen Russian assets, which are a means of pressure on Russia and a source of funding for Ukraine, will be made in the coming days. This will happen in coordination with European countries and the European Commission.
Prosecutor General of Ukraine Ruslan Kravchenko discussed with international partners the strategy for investigating international crimes and the reform of the prosecutor's office. The discussion also covered Ukraine's European integration path and the deportation of Ukrainian children.
An EU loan of 140 billion euros, which Ukraine may receive, backed by frozen Russian assets, does not pose a threat to the sovereign ratings of EU countries. Leading rating agencies S&P and Fitch stated minimal risks for EU members, despite concerns about possible Russian lawsuits.