EU Economic Leaders Convene to Debate Accessing €140bn in Frozen Moscow's Assets for Ukraine Funding
EU economic leaders are meeting in the EU capital this Thursday to address the bloc's economic priorities, featuring the increasingly urgent question of financial support to Ukraine.
Zelenskyy States Nation's Existence Depends on Allies
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy declared in a latest discussion that the country's survival depended on obtaining additional financial aid from international partners.
“We trust, God bless, they will approve this decision,” he told media outlets. If not, “It will be necessary to seek another solution, it concerns our surviving. That’s why it is essential very much. We rely on our allies.”
EU Commission Advocates €140 Billion Reparations Loan
The European Commission continues to aim to persuade member states – and Belgium, which continues to bloc the plan due to legal fears – to proceed with a €140bn financial compensation using frozen Russian assets.
Commission president Ursula von der Leyen insisted this morning that this represents “the optimal method to sustain Ukraine’s defence and its economy.”
Decision Delayed Until December Meeting
A final decision on the issue has been deferred till the EU leaders’s summit in December, with the funding required at the start of the coming year.
Talks Coincide with Corruption Scandal in Ukraine
But the talks are happening during a difficult time for Kyiv, as the president was forced to address growing public outrage in Ukraine over a bribery incident in the power industry, firing two ministers allegedly involved in participating in a large-scale bribery scheme.
Danish finance leader Stephanie Lose was questioned on her response to the scandal, and affirmed that there was commitment to continue supporting Ukraine.
“Of course, Ukraine will have to persistently focus with improvements, strengthening all parts of the nation [and] including fighting graft … but it is clear that Europe stands firmly with Ukraine,” she said.
Additional European Events Monitored
Separately, observers will be monitoring Holland where the parliament meets to examine potential ways ahead in the government formation process, the Italy-Albania consultations in the Italian capital giving us the most recent opportunity to witness the remarkable leadership interplay, and a series of top-tier conferences across Europe, including Nato’s Mark Rutte’s visit to a military installation in Germany.
Much to cover.
Today is Thursday, 13 November 2025, and this is Europe Live.
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