Belgium's Stance on Russian Assets: A Potential Peace Hurdle

Belgium's prime minister has expressed concerns about a European Union (EU) plan to use frozen Russian state assets to support Ukraine. Bart De Wever believes this move could complicate efforts to reach a peace deal in the ongoing conflict. De Wever shared his thoughts in a letter to the European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. He warned that rushing into this plan might unintentionally block the path to peace. The EU had previously discussed using around 140 billion euros in frozen Russian assets as a loan for Ukraine, but Belgium, where a significant portion of these funds are held, did not agree to the proposal. The European Commission is expected to present a legal proposal this week to address Belgium's concerns. This proposal aims to use the frozen assets to support Ukraine in the years 2026 and 2027. However, De Wever mentioned that Belgium has not yet seen any legal language proposed by the commission. The EU's plan involves using the frozen assets as a loan, not as direct reparations. This distinction is important because it affects how the funds can be used and the legal implications involved. The EU hopes to find a solution that satisfies all member states, including Belgium. The conflict in Ukraine has been ongoing for nearly four years, and finding a peaceful resolution is a top priority for the EU. The use of frozen Russian assets is seen as a way to support Ukraine's recovery and reconstruction efforts. However, it is crucial to balance this support with the potential impact on peace negotiations.