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BRUSSELS (ANP/BELGA) – De Wever wants “strong legal guarantees” and “contractually established risk coverage” from other member states and possibly countries outside the EU. Sources tell ANP that the guarantees proposed earlier this week by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen are insufficient.
In a note sent to EU heads of government on Monday, Von der Leyen wrote that EU member states must share any risks associated with the use of frozen Russian assets. Belgium fears reprisals from Russia, as the assets are located in Belgium.
These are not new guarantees from Von der Leyen, the sources say. Additionally, all EU member states must agree on watertight legal guarantees, and a commitment from only Von der Leyen is insufficient.
The European Commission wants to use the frozen Russian assets for an interest-free loan of 141 billion euros to Ukraine. From the very beginning, De Wever has warned about the risks of this “innovative solution,” as the Commission calls the proposal. It is legally uncharted territory.
Member states, including the Netherlands, believe that Belgium’s concerns and objections must be taken very seriously. However, they also state that Ukraine urgently needs a lot of money. Belgium agrees with this but believes that other options should be considered.
At the request of the EU heads of government, the Commission has also done this, but the preference of many countries is for the use of the frozen Russian assets.
(November 20, 2025)