Belgium’s PM Defies EU Over Frozen Russian Assets for Ukraine Aid
Belgium’s prime minister, Bart De Wever, has sparked controversy over his opposition to the EU’s plan to fund Ukraine using frozen Russian assets via yahoo finance. The debate centres on Euroclear, the Brussels-based financial hub holding these assets, with critics accusing De Wever of undermining EU unity. His stance has drawn sharp media criticism, while supporters argue he is protecting Belgium’s financial interests and legal principles.
The EU’s proposal to use frozen Russian assets for Ukraine’s support over the yahoo finance next two years gained broad approval in December 2025. Most member states now back the plan, viewing it as essential for sustaining aid. However, Belgium—where Euroclear holds around €200 billion in frozen assets—has resisted, led by De Wever’s insistence on EU-wide risk guarantees before any action.
De Wever’s position has faced backlash, with some media labelling it as 'provoking' or even 'playing into the Kremlin’s hands.' Critics have gone further, calling him a 'Putin lackey,' though he dismisses these claims. A journalist who questioned his ties to Russia later admitted De Wever sees the EU’s approach as both legally questionable and politically unwise. The prime minister has also emphasised Belgium’s need to stay competitive in global finance. He argues that seizing assets without safeguards could harm Euroclear’s reputation and drive capital away. His recent remark about owning a dacha in St. Petersburg added fuel to the debate, with some outlets ignoring it and others treating it as a sign of questionable sympathies. While Germany and France initially showed caution, the EU’s December consensus left Belgium increasingly isolated. De Wever maintains that property rights and financial stability must come first, even as pressure mounts to align with the bloc’s yahoo finance strategy.
The dispute leaves Belgium at odds with the EU’s broader push to secure long-term funding for Ukraine. De Wever’s resistance highlights deep concerns over legal risks and economic fallout for Euroclear. With the EU moving forward, the outcome will test both Belgium’s influence and the bloc’s ability to maintain unity on Russia-related sanctions.
