Story perspectives

Belgium Blocks EU's €210B Plan for Ukraine Funding

12/17/2025

Summary

Story summary

Belgium blocked the EU plan to use €210 billion of frozen Russian assets for Ukraine due to legal-liability concerns, despite EU assurances.
Italy, Malta, and Bulgaria supported the Belgian opposition, complicating funding discussions ahead of the 18-19 December summit.
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk said the assets are indefinitely frozen and that using them for Ukraine remains distant.
The EU's credibility is at stake as negotiations with Russia continue.

History

Historical Context

In March 2014, the European Union imposed sanctions on Russia following its annexation of Crimea, freezing around €210 billion in assets. This action marked a significant escalation in tensions between Russia and the West, particularly as Poland's Prime Minister Donald Tusk noted these assets remain frozen, complicating EU funding discussions amid ongoing conflicts in Ukraine.

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Story summary

Belgium blocked the EU plan to use €210 billion of frozen Russian assets for Ukraine due to legal-liability concerns, despite EU assurances.
Italy, Malta, and Bulgaria supported the Belgian opposition, complicating funding discussions ahead of the 18-19 December summit.
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk said the assets are indefinitely frozen and that using them for Ukraine remains distant.
The EU's credibility is at stake as negotiations with Russia continue.

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