EU Economic Ministers Gather to Debate Unlocking €140bn in Immobilized Moscow's Funds for Kyiv Support
EU economic leaders are meeting in the EU capital this morning to address the bloc's economic agenda, featuring the pressing question of financial support to the Ukrainian government.
Ukraine's President Warns Nation's Existence Relies on Partners
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy declared in a recent interview that the country's survival relied on obtaining more funds from allies.
“I hope, God bless, we will get the necessary funding,” he told reporters. If not, “We will have to find another solution, it concerns our surviving. That’s why it is essential very much. We rely on partners.”
European Authorities Pushes for €140bn Compensation Funding
The EU executive continues to aim to convince participating countries – including Belgium, that continues to bloc the plan due to legal fears – to move ahead on a €140bn reparations loan based on frozen Russian assets.
Commission president Ursula von der Leyen insisted today that this represents “the most effective way to sustain Ukraine’s defence and its economy.”
Decision Delayed Till December Summit
A final decision on the matter has been deferred until the EU leaders’s summit in the last month, as the financial support needed early next year.
Talks Coincide with Corruption Scandal in Ukraine
But these discussions come at a tricky time for Ukraine, as the president had to move to contain growing public outrage in the country regarding a bribery incident in the power industry, dismissing several officials who are accused of participating in a extensive bribery scheme.
Denmark's finance leader Stephanie Lose was questioned on her response to the scandal, and affirmed that there was commitment to continue supporting the Ukrainian people.
“Of course, The country will have to persistently focus with improvements, strengthening every sector of their society [and] that also applies to anti-corruption … but there shouldn’t be any doubt that Europe stands firmly behind Ukraine,” she stated.
Additional EU Events Under Watch
Separately, analysts will be keeping an eye on the Netherlands where the legislature convenes to discuss potential ways ahead in the government formation process, the Italy-Albania consultations in Rome offering the most recent opportunity to witness the remarkable Meloni-Rama dynamics, and a number of high-level conferences across Europe, including Nato’s the secretary general's trip to a German airbase.
Much to cover.
Today is Thursday, November 13, 2025, and this is Europe Live.
Good morning.
