Bart De Wever

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.

The coalition in Belgium has agreed on a budget deal worth 9. 2 billion euros until 2029 to avoid the collapse of the government. The agreement includes raising excise duties on gas, some recreational goods, and air ticket taxes, as well as bringing 100,000 people back to work.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen sent a letter to EU leaders assessing Ukraine's funding needs for 2026-2027. This amount is 135.7 billion euros, based on the assumption that the war will end in 2026.

The European Commission has offered Belgium significant guarantees regarding a €140 billion loan to Ukraine to protect it from the legal and financial consequences of using Russian assets. EU countries are ready to assume the risks of Russian retaliation, including those arising from bilateral investment treaties.

The European Union has offered Ukraine €90 billion in funding in the form of a grant or a loan backed by EU debt. This will happen if countries fail to approve the desired plan to use frozen Russian assets.

German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius suggested that drone sightings over Belgium could be related to discussions about the use of frozen Russian assets. Belgium holds 183 billion euros in Russian assets, which constitutes the majority of all Russian state assets in the EU.

The European Commission and the Belgian government will meet to overcome the political deadlock regarding the use of frozen Russian assets. Belgium is in no hurry to approve the plan due to fears of financial and legal risks, demanding guarantees and risk sharing with other EU countries.

The European Commission confirmed the commitments made at the EU summit to meet Ukraine's financial needs in 2026 and 2027, continuing work, including on a "reparations loan. " The issue will be discussed again at the European Council in December, after the Belgian Prime Minister blocked the use of frozen Russian assets at the October summit.

The European Commission is examining the concerns of EU leaders regarding a "reparation loan" for Ukraine, particularly those expressed by the Belgian Prime Minister. This concerns the use of frozen Russian assets to support Ukraine.

The European Union is considering a plan to raise tens of billions of euros in common debt to support Ukraine. This comes after Belgium blocked the use of frozen Russian assets for financial aid to Kyiv.

The international press criticizes Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever for allegedly disrupting a European project to use frozen Russian funds. Belgium, meanwhile, plans to use the proceeds from Russian assets to finance an increase in military spending.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced the swift presentation of options for a reparations loan for Ukraine. European countries also agreed to continue pressure on Russia through sanctions.

European Union leaders have postponed a decision on using frozen Russian assets to support Ukraine. The issue was postponed until December due to Belgium's demands for risk guarantees for loans totaling 140 billion euros.

The team of European Council President António Costa is changing the conclusions to persuade Belgium to support a €140 billion loan to Ukraine. EU leaders are discussing new wording that addresses the red lines of Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever.

Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever has taken an uncompromising stance on the use of frozen Russian assets for the benefit of Ukraine. This has led to a halt in plans that officials had been working on for months.

Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever doubts the legal basis for using Russian assets for Ukraine and demands guarantees from all EU member states. He warns of risks for Belgium and threatens to block the decision without proper risk sharing.

Ukraine's allies are seeking to strengthen its position ahead of Trump-Putin talks, fearing a bad deal. They are preparing a support package that includes funding, weapons, and new sanctions against Russia, and plan to involve Zelenskyy in any negotiations.

The Belgian Federal Prosecutor's Office has dismantled a terrorist group that was planning an assassination attempt on Prime Minister Bart De Wever. Investigators discovered an improvised explosive device that the suspects planned to attach to a drone.

Belgium is facing increasing pressure to allow the use of frozen Russian assets for a “reparation loan” to Ukraine. This comes after a shift in position by Berlin and other Western capitals, which now support the idea.

The EU is considering lending Ukraine the monetary value of Russian assets immobilized in Euroclear, but some EU countries are expressing concerns about the legal implications. The European Commission needs to further investigate the legal and fiscal consequences.

Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever is once again raising the issue of using frozen Russian assets to finance Ukraine. He is demanding firm guarantees from EU and NATO leaders regarding risk sharing.

The European Union is developing a scheme to provide Ukraine with new loans totaling 140 billion euros, using frozen assets of the Russian central bank. The bloc hopes to conclude a loan agreement by the end of the year to start disbursing funds to Ukraine in 2026.

Belgium and Luxembourg recognized the independence of the State of Palestine, joining France, Britain, Monaco, Canada, and Australia. The Belgian Prime Minister noted that legal recognition is possible after the release of hostages and the removal of Hamas.

The Belgian Prime Minister stated the legal difficulties of confiscating frozen Russian assets. A significant portion of them, 183 billion euros, is located in Brussels at Euroclear.

Belgium will provide Ukraine with a military aid package of €1 billion in 2025, which includes 20 Cerberus air defense systems and other equipment. A significant part of the funds will return to the Belgian economy.

Due to a nationwide strike by security and ground staff at the airport terminal, Brussels Airport is canceling all flights. Passengers are promised to rebook tickets.

Ukrainian manufacturers of components for weapons can receive a grant of up to UAH 8 million to expand production. The state will finance 50% of the project cost.

Ukraine and Belgium will cooperate in the defense sector and increase joint production. The parties also discussed sanctions against Russia and Ukraine's European integration.