EU Leaders Discuss Using Frozen Russian Assets to Fund Ukraine Aid
The leaders of the 27 European Union member states gathered in Brussels on Thursday for the start of a two-day European Council summit, with the proposal to use frozen Russian assets to finance loans to Ukraine topping the agenda.
According to released information, EU leaders are set to discuss ways to continue financial support for Ukraine, address security guarantees, and explore diplomatic efforts to achieve peace. These discussions come amid the ongoing war in Ukraine, which continues to have wide-ranging political and economic consequences for Europe.
In addition to the Ukraine issue, the agenda includes the EU’s multiannual financial framework for the years 2028 to 2034, the bloc’s enlargement process, and the territorial and economic status of the Union. Also up for discussion are developments in West Asia, defense matters, and Europe’s migration challenges.
EU leaders are also expected to deliberate on ways to strengthen the bloc’s resilience against external economic and political pressures, accelerate trade initiatives, and enhance strategic autonomy and competitiveness.
The summit is being closely watched, coming just a week after the EU moved to formalize the status of frozen Russian assets. Debate now centers on the legal and political pathways for using these assets to fund proposed loans to Ukraine.
Meanwhile, on Tuesday, the European Parliament approved the fast-tracking of legislation that would allow the use of Moscow’s frozen assets to provide financial support to Ukraine. This move paves the way for a vote in the Parliament’s January plenary session.
