Belgian PM Challenges Legal Grounds for Utilizing Russian Assets

Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever expressed opposition to using frozen Russian assets for a €140 billion loan to Ukraine, citing the absence of a legal basis. He emphasized the need for guarantees before supporting such a proposal, as Belgium hosts most of these assets in the Euroclear depository.

Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever has voiced his disapproval of using frozen Russian assets to extend a €140 billion loan to Ukraine, stating that he has not been presented with a legal foundation for the initiative.

Speaking at an EU summit in Brussels, De Wever highlighted his stance, emphasizing the necessity of obtaining relevant guarantees before any support could be considered.

Significantly, Belgium holds the majority of Russian assets in European custody due to the presence of the Euroclear securities depository within its borders.