“The EU is discussing aid to Ukraine and the use of Russian assets at the December 18-19 summit.”, — write: www.pravda.com.ua
Source: “European Truth” with reference to the president’s words during a speech in the European Parliament before the plenary debate on the eve of the EU summit on December 18-19
Details: Von der Leyen noted that supporting Ukraine in its defense is the most important thing that Europe should do for its own defense.
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“The next few days will be decisive in order to ensure this. We have to choose how we will finance Ukraine’s struggle. We know that this is an urgent need,” said the President of the European Commission.
She reminded that according to EC and IMF estimates, Ukraine needs about 137 billion euros in 2026-2027.
“Europe has to cover two-thirds – that’s 90 billion euros. And it’s not just about numbers – it’s also about strengthening Ukraine’s ability to ensure a real peace – a just, long-lasting one that will protect both Ukraine and Europe. And it’s also about increasing the price of this war for Russia,” Von der Leyen said.
“I proposed two options for the next meeting of the European Council: a decision based on (Russian) assets, and a decision based on EU borrowing. We will have to choose which way we want to go. But it is very clear that we must make a decision on the financing of Ukraine in the next two years at this meeting of the European Commission,” the president of the European Commission emphasized.
It will be recalled that on December 12, the EU ambassadors decided to freeze Russian assets located in Europe, for an indefinite period.
This week, EU leaders at the summit will discuss the approval of a “reparation loan” to Ukraine using Russian assets.
Although a qualified majority vote is sufficient for the matter, the decision is still in question due to opposition from Belgium, which fears the legal consequences of such a move. Chancellor of Germany as of Tuesday equally assessed the chances on adoption and non-adoption of a decision.
More on the topic in the article: The EU is looking for money for Kyiv. Why is Belgium “blocking” the financing of Ukraine at the expense of the assets of the Russian Federation