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EU Weighs €210 Billion Ukraine Loan Backed by Frozen Russian Assets as Belgium Holds Out

Belgium demands EU‑level risk sharing before granting approval.

Overview

  • Commission documents show national guarantees would backstop the plan, with Germany expected to cover roughly €51–52 billion, France about €34 billion and Italy about €25 billion.
  • Seven leaders from Estonia, Finland, Ireland, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland and Sweden urged swift approval of the reparations‑loan proposal ahead of the Dec. 18–19 summit.
  • Euroclear CEO Valérie Urbain warned the scheme is legally doubtful under sovereign immunity, risks financial stability, and could be challenged in court.
  • About €210 billion in Russian sovereign assets are frozen in Europe, roughly €185 billion of which sit at Euroclear in Belgium, placing legal and financial exposure on Belgian authorities.
  • EU and NATO leaders are set to discuss Ukraine funding with Volodymyr Zelensky in Brussels, as Russia denounces the plan and threatens retaliatory steps.