BRUSSELS - Finnish President Alexander Stubb believes that „any European decision“ on frozen Russian assets should be acceptable to Belgium, which is under pressure from the European Commission on the issue.
„I think any decision should be acceptable to Belgium,“ told the Belgian daily Le Soir. The Finnish leader added that he does not support those who „they are putting pressure on Belgium in this situation“.
Most of the assets frozen by the EU to Russia are held by Euroclear, a company based in Belgium. But Belgium is blocking their use because it fears it would have to pay Russia compensation itself. The Russian ambassador to Belgium Denis Gonchar earlier told TASS news agency that any scheme used by the European Commission to expropriate assets would be considered theft. The diplomat warned that Russia's reaction „will come immediately“ and force the West „count your losses“.
EU countries are discussing ways to continue funding Kiev and are considering using frozen Russian assets for this purpose. „reparation loans“ for Ukraine.
Belgium fears retaliation from Russia and demands that all EU countries contribute to the financial losses of Brussels. A final decision on the matter has been postponed until a European Commission summit in December, when member states will discuss various loan options for Ukraine in 2026 and 2027. The European Commission press service earlier said expropriation of Russian assets remains a priority option.
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