Belgium's Call for EU Unity on Risk-sharing With Frozen Russian Assets

Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever urges EU leaders to agree on sharing risks associated with using frozen Russian assets to finance loans to Ukraine. Legal and financial complexities remain, including securing EU guarantees to protect Belgium from potential Russian retaliation.

Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever is urging EU leaders to share the risks tied to using frozen Russian assets to fund loans to Ukraine. At a Copenhagen summit, European leaders showed support for the 140 billion euro initiative but acknowledged the legal and financial challenges involved.

Under international law, it's illegal to confiscate sovereign assets outright, requiring the EU to find a workaround. De Wever highlighted these complexities, stressing the need for shared responsibility if complications arise from leveraging Putin's funds.

As financial strains increase, the proposed plan aims to support Ukraine's future if Russia never pays reparations. However, securing mutual guarantees among EU and G7 nations remains a contentious issue, with countries like Hungary rejecting shared responsibility.