During an EU summit held in Brussels on October 23, 2023, European leaders sought to approve a €140 billion loan for Ukraine backed by frozen Russian assets held in Belgium. However, Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever strongly opposed the plan, warning of legal retaliation risks that could leave Belgium liable to repay Russia. De Wever demanded removal of any language about using these assets from the summit's final conclusions, effectively blocking the reparations loan. This decision fractured EU unity and weakened support signals to Ukraine amid ongoing conflict with Russia. De Wever cited concerns over potential legal losses, threats to Belgium’s financial institutions like Euroclear, and political dysfunction within Belgium. Additional factors include opposition from Hungarian leadership and fears of Russian hybrid warfare, exemplified by drone incidents over Belgian military sites. EU leaders continue to seek alternatives ahead of their next summit in December 2023. The impasse occurs amid pressure from Germany’s Chancellor Friedrich Merz and EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, who advocate using the frozen assets to fund Ukraine's defense and reconstruction.

During an EU summit held in Brussels on October 23, 2023, European leaders sought to approve a €140 billion loan for Ukraine backed by frozen Russian assets held in Belgium. However, Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever strongly opposed the plan, warning of legal retaliation risks that could leave Belgium liable to repay Russia. De Wever demanded removal of any language about using these assets from the summit's final conclusions, effectively blocking the reparations loan. This decision fractured EU unity and weakened support signals to Ukraine amid ongoing conflict with Russia. De Wever cited concerns over potential legal losses, threats to Belgium’s financial institutions like Euroclear, and political dysfunction within Belgium. Additional factors include opposition from Hungarian leadership and fears of Russian hybrid warfare, exemplified by drone incidents over Belgian military sites. EU leaders continue to seek alternatives ahead of their next summit in December 2023. The impasse occurs amid pressure from Germany’s Chancellor Friedrich Merz and EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, who advocate using the frozen assets to fund Ukraine's defense and reconstruction.