Archive · 5 Dec 2025
Belgium and Germany discuss EU plan on Russian frozen assets
Belgium's prime minister is going to talk with Germany's chancellor about a plan to use money that belongs to Russia, which is currently frozen in Europe, to help Ukraine.
The European Union wants to use this money to support Ukraine against Russia's invasion.
Belgium has some worries about this plan, like Russia might get mad and take legal action.
The UK also wants to be part of this plan.
They will have a big meeting soon to decide what to do.
Belgian PM Bart De Wever to discuss EU plan with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz on Friday.
EU proposes 'reparations loan' using frozen Russian assets to support Ukraine.
Belgium raises legal concerns and potential Russian retaliation.
UK holds £25 billion in frozen Russian assets and presses for a coordinated plan.
EU summit on December 18 to secure commitments from member states.
- Who
- Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, European Commission, UK Foreign Minister Yvette Cooper
- What
- Discussions on using frozen Russian assets to support Ukraine
- When
- Meeting on Friday, December 18 EU summit
- Where
- Brussels, Belgium
- Why
- To address legal concerns and potential Russian retaliation, and to secure a coordinated plan for supporting Ukraine
- Key Figures
- Belgian PM Bart De Wever, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen
- Assets Involved
- Russian state assets frozen in the EU, including £25 billion in the UK
- Proposed Plan
- EU 'reparations loan' using frozen Russian assets to support Ukraine
- Belgium's Concerns
- Potential Russian retaliation, financial claims against Belgium and Euroclear
- Meeting Details
- Merz to visit Brussels on Friday for discussions
- EU Summit
- December 18 summit to secure commitments from member states
- UK's Stance
- Pressing for a coordinated plan with Belgium and other EU states