European Union Finance Ministers Gather to Discuss Accessing €140bn in Immobilized Moscow's Funds for Kyiv Funding
EU economic leaders are meeting in Brussels this Thursday to tackle the union's economic agenda, including the increasingly urgent question of funding for the Ukrainian government.
Ukraine's President States Nation's Survival Depends on Partners
Kyiv's leader Volodymyr Zelenskyy declared in a recent discussion that Ukraine's existence depended on receiving additional financial aid from international partners.
“We trust, with luck, they will approve the necessary funding,” he told media outlets. If not, “We will have to find an alternative, it’s a question of our survival. For this reason we need it urgently. We rely on our allies.”
European Authorities Pushes for €140bn Reparations Loan
The European Commission continues to aim to convince member states – and Belgium, that is currently blocking the proposal due to juridical concerns – to proceed with a €140bn reparations loan using frozen Russian assets.
EU chief Ursula von der Leyen emphasized this morning that it would be “the most effective way to support Ukraine’s defence and its economy.”
Decision Postponed Till Year-End Meeting
A definitive resolution on the issue has been postponed till the European Council meeting in the last month, with the funding needed early next year.
Talks Occur Amid Corruption Scandal in Ukraine
But the talks are happening during a tricky moment for Kyiv, as Zelenskyy had to move to address growing public outrage in the country regarding a corruption scandal in the power industry, dismissing several officials who are accused of involvement in a large-scale bribery scheme.
Denmark's finance leader Stephanie Lose was questioned on her reaction to the allegations, and affirmed that there was commitment to continue supporting the Ukrainian people.
“Naturally, Ukraine will have to persistently focus with reforms, reinforcing all parts of the nation [and] including anti-corruption … but there shouldn’t be any doubt that there’s a strong European support with Kyiv,” she said.
Other EU Developments Under Watch
In other news, observers will be monitoring Holland where the legislature meets to examine potential ways ahead in the coalition talks, the Italy-Albania consultations in Rome giving us the latest chance to witness the remarkable leadership interplay, and a number of top-tier conferences throughout the continent, including Nato’s Mark Rutte’s trip to a military installation in Germany.
Lots for us to report on.
It’s Thursday, November 13, 2025, and we bring you Europe Live.
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