“Belgian PM confirms meeting with Merz on Friday regarding reparations loan to Ukraine, but there’s a catch – ReutersBelgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever will hold talks with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz on the use of frozen Russian assets to
support Ukraine. Belgium expresses concerns about legal aspects and potential risks for its taxpayers.
”, — write: unn.ua
DetailsThe publication indicates that the European Commission, the executive body of the European Union, proposed a “reparation loan” using Russian state assets frozen in the EU after Russia’s invasion. However, Belgium, which holds most of the assets, has expressed various legal concerns. Merz expressed support for the plan but also stated that the risks should be borne by all EU countries, not just Belgium.
I hope it will be a fruitful conversation and that we will find a solution that we can then present to Europe within the next two weeks.
It is noted that the European Commission hopes to receive firm commitments from member states at the EU leaders’ summit on December 18. At the same time, De Wever said that he would not be forced to support the plan.
I can still determine my own position, even if there are big, strong neighbors whom I love very much and politically respect, who may ask me to do something differently. I have only one duty: it is the interests of Belgian taxpayers.
The media adds that in a letter to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen last month, De Wever expressed concern about potential Russian retaliation and the prospect of financial claims against Belgium and Euroclear, the financial institution where the assets are held.
RecallGerman Chancellor Friedrich Merz canceled a trip to Oslo and will arrive in Brussels on Friday for a private dinner to persuade the Belgian leadership to support a “reparation loan” to Ukraine worth 165 billion euros, using the monetary value of frozen Russian state assets located on Belgian soil.
Von der Leyen: “almost all” of Belgium’s concerns regarding a “reparation loan” for Ukraine have been addressed03.12.25, 15:36 • 2746 views