EU Leaders in Talks Over Russian Assets for Ukraine

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz engaged in discussions with Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever concerning Belgium's hesitance to support the EU's plan to use frozen Russian assets for Ukrainian aid. The aim is to reach consensus by December 18 summit.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen alongside German Chancellor Friedrich Merz held what they described as "very constructive" discussions with Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever. The talks focused on an EU plan to utilize frozen Russian assets, seeking Belgium's agreement to aid Ukraine financially.

The European Commission proposes an unprecedented move to deploy either frozen Russian assets or international borrowing to gather 90 billion euros for Ukraine. Most European governments, with the Commission, support a 'reparations loan' framework using Russian assets frozen due to the conflict with Ukraine.

However, Belgium, which safeguards most of these assets in the Euroclear securities depository, has highlighted legal issues, slowing down the decision. Von der Leyen stressed the urgency in a statement, aiming for a consensus at the upcoming summit. There has been no comment from De Wever or Belgian officials post-meeting.