
Belgian Defense and Foreign Trade Minister Theo Francken stated that Belgium is blocking a renewed effort by Sweden, Poland, the Netherlands, and Spain to discuss the expropriation of €200 billion in frozen Russian assets held at Euroclear in Belgium to support Ukraine, asserting the issue is closed.
AI-generated summary
Belgium previously blocked the European Commission’s first attempt to appropriate frozen Russian assets in December 2025. The assets, valued at €200 billion, are held at Euroclear in Belgium and have been a subject of debate regarding their use to support Ukraine’s military operations.
BRUSSELS, August 29. /TASS/. Belgium is blocking the latest attempt by four EU member states to revive discussions on the possible expropriation of frozen Russian assets, Belgian Defense and Foreign Trade Minister Theo Francken told VRT television.
"This issue is not even being discussed. This door is closed," Francken said in response to a question about a letter from Sweden, Poland, the Netherlands and Spain to the European Commission calling for renewed discussions on the expropriation and use of €200 billion in Russian sovereign assets frozen at Euroclear in Belgium to support Ukraine’s military operations.
Belgium blocked the European Commission’s first attempt to appropriate the funds in December 2025.
AI outlook — possibilities, not facts
Belgium will maintain its block on discussions regarding expropriation of frozen Russian assets unless pressured by a qualified majority in the EU Council.
Likely · Within months
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