Belgian defense minister says using frozen Russian assets for Ukraine is ‘non-negotiable’
Belgian Defense Minister Theo Francken has rejected a renewed push by four EU countries to use around €200 billion in frozen Russian assets to support Ukraine, saying Belgium's opposition is “non-negotiable.”
“This is non-negotiable, the door is closed,” Francken told Flemish broadcaster VRT, according to Euractiv. “Our prime minister will stand firm.”
Sweden, Poland, the Netherlands and Spain this week called on the European Commission to explore new ways of using the immobilized Russian assets to support Ukraine.
Belgium plays a central role in the dispute because most of the assets are held at Euroclear, the Brussels-based financial clearing house.
Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever blocked an earlier proposal for a €210 billion “reparations loan” for Ukraine at an EU summit in December, arguing that Belgium could be disproportionately exposed to legal and financial claims from Russia.
Francken also criticized the Baltic states - Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia - for continuing to press the issue.
“They should also be careful about constantly bringing this issue up again and putting us in a corner. I don't think that is wise,” he said, noting that the Baltic countries receive substantial support from Belgium.
Francken's categorical rejection contrasts with comments made earlier this month by Belgian Foreign Minister Maxime Prévot, who appeared open to using the frozen assets if the legal risks were shared fairly among EU countries.
The four countries behind the latest initiative have also acknowledged those risks, arguing that no individual country should be left carrying a disproportionate burden.
EU foreign ministers are expected to discuss the issue at a meeting in Ireland next week.
The debate comes as Ukraine faces a €23.5 billion funding gap and continues to seek additional air defense ahead of winter.
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