Kallas: EU won’t tap frozen Russian assets for Ukraine without Belgium’s consent

The European Union is unlikely to make a decision on providing Ukraine with “reparation loans” funded by frozen Russian assets without Belgium’s backing, the country holding the largest share of the funds.

Speaking ahead of the EU Foreign Affairs Council meeting, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas said that while a decision could technically be adopted by a qualified majority, proceeding without Belgium would be difficult, Caliber.Az reports, citing the European External Action Service.

“Of course, we have the QMV decision, but without Belgium, I think it would not be very easy, because they have the majority of the assets, and I think it is important that they are on board, whatever we do,” Kallas said.

She underlined Belgium’s role as essential for ensuring any initiative is effective. Kallas also highlighted the potential benefits of using frozen Russian assets to fund Ukraine, saying it would avoid placing a burden on European taxpayers and send a clear message: “If you cause damage to another country, you must pay reparations.”

Kallas added that some European countries are more familiar with Russian threats than others, but emphasized that “these are only threats.

If we keep united, we are much stronger, and these are just threats that Russia is posing even what we have seen before. So, I really want all of us to have clear heads.”

By Aghakazim Guliyev