Story perspectives

EU Moves to Unlock €140B in Frozen Russian Assets

12/3/2025

Summary

Story summary

The European Commission is developing a legal solution over Belgium's €140 billion in frozen Russian assets for Ukraine.
Belgium fears a veto by pro-Russian EU states like Hungary could force it to return the funds.
The Commission proposes Article 122 of the EU Treaty to allow decisions by qualified majority rather than unanimous approval.
Belgium's Prime Minister Bart De Wever demands strong legal protections before agreeing to the plan amid rising liabilities.

History

Historical Context

The Lisbon Treaty, effective December 1, 2009, reformed the EU's legal structure, enhancing decision-making through qualified majority voting in crises. This framework is now tested by Belgium's €140 billion in frozen Russian assets, amid tensions with pro-Russian states like Hungary. The outcome could significantly influence EU governance and legal approaches to asset management and crisis response.

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Story summary

The European Commission is developing a legal solution over Belgium's €140 billion in frozen Russian assets for Ukraine.
Belgium fears a veto by pro-Russian EU states like Hungary could force it to return the funds.
The Commission proposes Article 122 of the EU Treaty to allow decisions by qualified majority rather than unanimous approval.
Belgium's Prime Minister Bart De Wever demands strong legal protections before agreeing to the plan amid rising liabilities.

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