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Europe
EU Postpones Decision on ‘Reparations Loan’ Backed by Frozen Russian Assets
Although the $140 billion plan has not been shelved, Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever said that he would do “everything in his power” to prevent it unless his concerns are addressed.
Oct. 23, 2025
Europe
‘Political Decisions’ on Ukraine Funding Expected During Zelensky’s Brussels Trip
Following the EU’s latest sanctions package to slash all Russian energy imports by 2027 just hours earlier, the bloc is expected to announce more funding to help Kyiv sustain its war-strained economy.
Oct. 23, 2025
Ukraine
Belgian PM Says Will ‘Stop’ Ukraine Frozen Assets Loan if Demands Not Met
EU leaders meeting in Brussels are looking to give a preliminary green light for a “reparations loan” aimed at keeping Kyiv afloat as the war with Russia drags on.
Oct. 23, 2025
Ukraine
IMF: Use of Russian Assets Needs ‘Legal Underpinning’ and Caution
For the proposed reparations loan, the IMF says countries utilizing Russian assets should be cautious about “any implications for the international monetary system.”
Oct. 17, 2025
Russia
Frozen Russian Billions Seen as EU’s Best Bet to Sustain Ukraine Aid – Bloomberg
The EU is increasingly convinced that tapping around €200 billion ($232 billion) in frozen Russian central bank assets is the only option for sustainably funding Ukraine, according to Bloomberg.
Oct. 13, 2025
Netherlands
Belgium Foils Jihadist Plot to Assassinate PM De Wever
Dutch politician Geert Wilders and Antwerp’s mayor were also reportedly targeted in the plot involving homemade explosives.
Oct. 10, 2025
Russia
Belgium Blocks €140B EU Push to Arm Ukraine With Frozen Russian Assets
The EU aims to approve a €140B “reparations loan” to Ukraine by December, but Belgium’s objections over legal and financial risks could stall the plan.
Oct. 8, 2025
Europe
OPINION: The Brief – Dare We Touch Russia’s Golden Goose?
Belgium’s PM has a knack for painting problems in visual terms and likens the Russian assets held in Belgium to a goose laying “golden eggs.” But the entertaining imagery demands a direct answer.
Oct. 4, 2025
Europe
‘Uncharted Waters Ahead’: Belgium Warns EU on Risks of Using Russian Assets
The EU has frozen about €200 billion in Russian central bank assets, mostly held by the international deposit organization Euroclear in Belgium.
Oct. 2, 2025
Europe
OPINION: Central Bank of Russia Assets Have to Be Seized for Ukraine
Europe is loath to make its own taxpayers cover the bill for Ukraine’s defense. So why not let Russia? It’s definitely doable. All we need is a more innovative investment approach.
Sept. 13, 2025
Europe
Belgium Fears ‘Domino Effect’ of Seizing Russia’s Frozen Assets
Despite calls to use €200 billion of Russian assets frozen in the EU for Ukraine, Belgium is resistant for fear of “a terrible systemic shock across all European financial markets.”
Sept. 6, 2025
NATO
NATO Says All Members Will Hit 2% Spending Goal
The announcement came after a group of stragglers – including Spain, Belgium and Italy – hastily announced plans to reach two percent ahead of a Hague gathering.
Aug. 28, 2025
Russia
Euroclear Raises Legal Red Flag Over Russian Asset Transfer
“Creation of a [special purpose vehicle] SPV would mean an expropriation of the cash from Euroclear,” said Euroclear CEO Valérie Urbain.
July 16, 2025
Ukraine
Rebuilding Ukraine: Belgium Announces 6-Point Support Plan
The plan, unveiled at Rome’s Ukraine Recovery Conference, comprises six partnerships aimed at attracting investments into the Ukrainian economy.
July 10, 2025
Ukraine
Ukrainian Embassy in Belgium Monitoring Case of Murder of Two Ukrainians
The bodies of a woman and her daughter were discovered after a fire in a residential building.
June 7, 2025
G7
Euroclear to Pay Out $3.4B to Western Investors Hit by Russian Asset Seizures
Critics of the decision told Reuters the move means that more compensation for Ukraine will have to come from European treasuries rather than from Russia.
May 2, 2025