Belgian government opposes using frozen Russian assets to support Ukraine

Belgian Defense Minister Theo Francken firmly opposes using frozen Russian assets to aid Ukraine, stating it is "non-negotiable" and the door is closed, according to Ukrinform. Francken emphasized that Sweden, Poland, the Netherlands, and Spain previously urged the European Commission to explore methods of utilizing around EUR 200 billion in immobilized Russian assets to support Ukraine.

Last December's European summit saw Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever reject a proposal by Germany and the European Commission to create a EUR 210 billion reparations loan for Ukraine, arguing it would expose the Benelux nation to potential Russian legal repercussions. Most of the assets are currently held at Euroclear in Belgium.

Francken's stance has reportedly generated resentment, particularly from Baltic states like Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia, which are strong supporters of the reparations loan. Francken criticized these states for refusing to abandon the issue and suggested it could be unwise. While Belgian Foreign Minister Maxime Prevot has appeared more open to discussing the possibility of using immobilized assets, under the condition that all legal responsibility is fairly distributed among EU countries, Francken's tough tone contrasts with Prevot's approach.

EU foreign ministers are set to deliberate on reinstating discussions about utilizing frozen Russian assets in Ukraine's favor at an informal Gymnich-format meeting in early September. A coalition of EU member states is urging the European Commission to reinitiate efforts to use frozen Russian sovereign assets to finance Ukraine.

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha believes it is time for Ukraine to intensify work on a legal framework to employ frozen Russian assets to aid Ukraine.