Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

Belgium Urged to Unlock €190B Russian Assets for EU Loan

10/10/2025

45 8 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

Belgium faces pressure to use frozen Russian assets for a €140 billion loan.
About €190 billion of Russian assets are frozen in Euroclear since 2022.
Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever calls for shared EU legal and financial risks.
Austria's push to unfreeze assets raises EU unity concerns.
European Commission aims to finalize by December, but Belgian hesitance could delay.

History

Historical Context

Following Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, the European Union imposed extensive sanctions, freezing around €190 billion in Russian assets. In 2023, Belgium's Prime Minister Bart De Wever proposed using these frozen assets to support a €140 billion loan, highlighting tensions within the EU regarding financial responsibilities and the potential impact on future sanctions against aggressor nations.

1 of 2

Story summary

Belgium faces pressure to use frozen Russian assets for a €140 billion loan.
About €190 billion of Russian assets are frozen in Euroclear since 2022.
Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever calls for shared EU legal and financial risks.
Austria's push to unfreeze assets raises EU unity concerns.
European Commission aims to finalize by December, but Belgian hesitance could delay.

1 / 2