European Union leaders are heading into a decisive summit in Brussels, with a critical and contentious decision on the table: whether to use billions in frozen Russian state assets to fund a major reparations loan for Ukraine.
Last-Minute Deadlock Threatens Agreement
With just 24 hours before talks begin on Thursday, a final agreement remains elusive. Belgium is leading opposition to the European Commission's proposals, citing concerns over potential legal challenges from Moscow. The impasse is deepening, with Italy and other member states now also expressing significant doubts about the plan.
Technically, the European Council could force the measure through with a qualified majority vote, bypassing objectors like Belgium. However, the political optics of acting against the will of the nation hosting the majority of these frozen assets are considered highly problematic. Diplomats fear the situation could very easily end up in a mess, regardless of the procedural path taken.
Von der Leyen's Urgent Plea to EU Parliament
Ahead of the summit, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen addressed the European Parliament, framing the decision as a cornerstone of European security. "There is no more important act of European defence than supporting Ukraine's defence," she stated, adding that "the next days will be a crucial step for securing this."
She outlined the options before the leaders: the large-scale loan backed by frozen asset profits or new joint EU borrowing. Von der Leyen was unequivocal about the need for a decision, stressing, "We have to take the decision to fund Ukraine for the next two years in this European Council." Her comments set the stage for what insiders predict will be a long and difficult night of negotiations on Thursday.
A Broader Call for European Security
Beyond the immediate Ukraine funding crisis, von der Leyen issued a broader warning to EU lawmakers. "Europe must be responsible for its own security," she declared. "This is no longer an option. It is a must." This statement underscores the high stakes of the summit, which is now seen as a pivotal test of European resolve and unity in the face of ongoing Russian aggression.
All eyes are now on the European Council building in Brussels, where leaders must navigate complex legal fears and political divisions to reach a consensus that could define the EU's support for Ukraine for years to come.
