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De Wever concerned about the use of Russian assets

by AI | 03.Oct 2025 | Europe in brief AI

The consequences of using frozen Russian assets for a loan to Ukraine are still a “big question mark,” said Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever. He is very concerned about this and expressed those concerns on Wednesday during discussions with EU leaders, he said on Thursday ahead of a meeting with other European leaders.

The Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever (Photo: Nicolas Maeterlinck - Belga)

COPENHAGEN (ANP) – A large part of the Russian assets is held by Euroclear, based in Belgium. For legal and technical reasons, Belgium is strongly opposed to the European Commission’s proposal to use the assets for an interest-free loan of 140 billion euros to Ukraine.

De Wever wants the EU to realize that by using the assets “we are entering uncharted waters.” “Moscow has already warned me; if you come for our money, you will feel the consequences for eternity,” said the prime minister. “I think this is Russian for we will send you to eternity,” said De Wever, who added that the director of Euroclear is currently under protection.

De Wever warns that it is also financially risky. “Will Western assets in Russia be seized? Factories that are in Western hands? We don’t know.” He also warns about the image of the euro if countries get the idea that their money in the EU is not safe.

The Belgian prime minister said he wants “a signature” from all EU leaders that they are willing to share the potential risks of using the Russian money. Caretaker Prime Minister Dick Schoof reiterated on Thursday morning that he does not believe Belgium “can bear the risks alone, they are really far too great.”

(October 2, 2025)