Belgium
The European Commission is considering covering Ukraine's funding deficit through funds raised from common EU debt and bilateral grants from member states. These options complement the proposal to use immobilized sovereign Russian assets totaling 140 billion euros.
Five Norwegian political parties have called on Oslo to intervene to overcome Belgium's concerns about using frozen Russian assets to finance a €140 billion 'reparations loan' to Ukraine. The Norwegian Prime Minister has ordered a full review of the country's possible participation.
EU countries have agreed to cut emissions by 90% by 2040 compared to 1990 levels, a compromise ahead of COP30. The agreement provides for flexibility, including the possibility of purchasing international carbon credits.
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.
On November 4, Belgian airspace was partially closed for security reasons after reports of several groups of UAVs flying over the country, including in the vicinity of Brussels and Liege airports. Flights were diverted to Maastricht.
The Chief of Staff of the Belgian Armed Forces, Frederik Vansina, ordered the shooting down of unknown drones in the country's airspace. The decision was made after UAVs were detected over several military bases, including the Kleine Brogel airbase, where US nuclear weapons are stored.
The Romanian Ministry of Defense signed a contract to purchase 18 F-16 aircraft and equipment from the Netherlands for a symbolic price of 1 euro. They will be used for training, including Ukrainian pilots, at the European F-16 Training Center.
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.
IMF support for Ukraine depends on the EU's decision regarding a multi-billion dollar loan secured by frozen Russian assets. Belgium's refusal could lead to a blockade of IMF funding, which amounted to $8 billion.
US President Donald Trump stated that he is not participating in discussions regarding frozen Russian assets. According to him, Europe and Russia are negotiating on this issue.
Belgian Defense Minister Theo Francken stated that drones over military bases were likely used to monitor fighter jets and ammunition depots. He did not directly accuse Russia but noted that the motives and methods of such actions were obvious.
A Russian border patrol boat flying the flag of the Wagner PMC was spotted on the Narva River, which separates Estonia and Russia. The Estonian Ministry of Foreign Affairs is demanding explanations from Russia regarding this incident, which is causing serious concern.
Three UAVs were again detected over the Belgian NATO military base Kleine-Brogel. Attempts to jam or shoot down the drones were unsuccessful, and the police lost the signal after 20 kilometers of pursuit.
Several drones were spotted over the Kleine Brogel military airbase in Belgium, where US nuclear weapons are stored. Police arrived at the scene, but the drones disappeared, although they were captured on video.
Belgian Defense Minister Theo Francken stated that Moscow would be "leveled to the ground" if Russia dared to attack the capital of a NATO country.
Spain's Alicante-Elche Airport has reopened after a two-hour closure due to a drone sighting, causing delays for thousands of passengers. Ten international flights were diverted to other airports.
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 has significantly increased imports of diesel and jet fuel from other countries, preparing for restrictions on petroleum products produced from Russian crude oil. From October 1 to 20, almost 1.9 million barrels of fuel arrived at EU ports, which could become a monthly record.
Five flights with British tourists were diverted after a drone was spotted near Alicante Airport. A total of ten international flights changed their routes, causing delays for about a thousand travelers.
President Zelenskyy urged Donald Trump to increase pressure on Chinese leader Xi Jinping to reduce his support for Russia. He also emphasized the need for European financial support for Ukraine for two to three years.
In Prague, a 38-year-old man, under the influence of drugs, threw a package containing 120,000 crowns to a passerby. The police returned the money to its owner after verifying its legal origin.
Belgium is facing an organized threat from drug trafficking, which is undermining its institutions. An Antwerp judge states that the country meets the conditions of a narco-state due to its illegal economy, corruption, and violence.
The "Junts" party, an ally of Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, has decided to break ties with the ruling party over unfulfilled promises regarding Catalonia's powers, language policy, and amnesty. "Junts" leader Carles Puigdemont announced a party member vote on the final decision.
The European Commission will propose other options for supporting Ukraine after the EU summit failed to agree on a "reparation loan. " The main focus remains on frozen Russian assets, said European Commission spokeswoman Paula Pinho.
The Ukrainian film "Cuba&Alaska" has been recognized as the best documentary at the Rome International Film Festival. This is the first award in a new category launched this year.
Maksym Molodan and Yaroslav Mykhalushko won three championship belts at a boxing night in Herstal, Belgium. Molodan won the WBC Francophone belt, and Mykhalushko won the WBC Francophone and WBC International belts.
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.
EU Commissioner Hadja Lahbib stated that Benjamin Netanyahu is not a convincing leader for establishing peace in the Middle East. She called for pressure on Israel and warned of prolonged suffering for Palestinians in Gaza.
The European Union purchased half of Russia's total LNG exports from February 2022 to September 2025. Hungary, Slovakia, France, Belgium, and the Netherlands are key importers of Russian gas.
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.