European Union Economic Ministers Convene to Discuss Accessing €140bn in Frozen Moscow's Assets for Kyiv Support
EU economic leaders are meeting in the EU capital this Thursday to address the union's economic priorities, featuring the increasingly urgent question of financial support to Ukraine.
Ukraine's President Warns Country's Survival Relies on Partners
Kyiv's leader Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated in a recent interview that Ukraine's existence relied on obtaining more funds from international partners.
“We trust, God bless, they will approve this decision,” he stated to reporters. Otherwise, “It will be necessary to seek an alternative, it’s a question of our survival. For this reason we need it urgently. And I count on our allies.”
European Authorities Pushes for €140bn Reparations Loan
The EU executive still hopes to persuade participating countries – and Belgium, that is currently blocking the plan due to juridical concerns – to proceed with a €140bn reparations loan using frozen Russian assets.
Commission president Ursula von der Leyen emphasized this morning that this represents “the most effective way to sustain Kyiv's military and its economy.”
Decision Delayed Till December Summit
A definitive resolution on the issue has been postponed till the EU leaders’s summit in the last month, with the funding needed at the start of the coming year.
Talks Occur Amid Bribery Allegations in Kyiv
But the talks come at a tricky time for Kyiv, as the president was forced to address growing public outrage in the country regarding a bribery incident in the energy sector, dismissing two ministers allegedly involved in involvement in a large-scale corruption network.
Danish economic affairs minister Stephanie Lose was questioned on her reaction to the scandal, and insisted that there was commitment to continue supporting the Ukrainian people.
“Of course, Ukraine will have to persistently focus with reforms, strengthening every sector of the nation [and] including fighting graft … but there shouldn’t be any doubt that Europe stands firmly behind Kyiv,” she stated.
Other EU Developments Monitored
In other news, observers will be keeping an eye on the Netherlands where the parliament convenes to examine possible directions in the government formation process, Rome-Tirana discussions in Rome offering the latest chance to enjoy the brilliant leadership interplay, and a series of top-tier meetings throughout the continent, including the Alliance's the secretary general's visit to a military installation in Germany.
Lots for us to report on.
It’s November 13, November 13, 2025, and this is Europe Live.
Good morning.
