European Union Economic Leaders Convene to Debate Unlocking €140 Billion in Frozen Russian Funds for Ukraine Funding
European Union economic leaders are meeting in the EU capital this Thursday to tackle the union's financial agenda, including the increasingly urgent issue of financial support to Ukraine.
Ukraine's President Warns Nation's Existence Relies on Partners
Kyiv's leader Volodymyr Zelenskyy declared in a recent interview that Ukraine's existence relied on receiving more funds from allies.
“We trust, with luck, they will approve this decision,” he stated to reporters. Otherwise, “We will have to find an alternative, it concerns our surviving. For this reason it is essential very much. And I count on our allies.”
European Authorities Pushes for €140 Billion Compensation Funding
The European Commission continues to aim to convince member states – including Belgium, that is currently blocking the plan due to juridical concerns – to proceed with a €140bn financial compensation using Moscow's immobilized funds.
EU chief Ursula von der Leyen emphasized today that this represents “the optimal method to sustain Ukraine’s defence and national finances.”
Resolution Delayed Till Year-End Meeting
A final decision on the matter has been deferred till the EU leaders’s summit in December, with the funding needed early next year.
Discussions Coincide with Bribery Allegations in Ukraine
But the talks are happening during a tricky moment for Kyiv, as Zelenskyy had to move to contain rising popular anger in the country over a bribery incident in the energy sector, dismissing several officials allegedly involved in participating in a extensive bribery scheme.
Denmark's finance leader Stephanie Lose was questioned on her reaction to the scandal, and insisted that there was commitment to continue supporting Ukraine.
“Of course, Ukraine will have to continuously work with improvements, strengthening every sector of their society [and] including anti-corruption … but there shouldn’t be any doubt that Europe stands firmly behind Kyiv,” she said.
Other European Developments Under Watch
Separately, observers will be keeping an eye on Holland where the legislature meets to discuss potential ways ahead in the government formation process, Rome-Tirana discussions in the Italian capital giving us the latest chance to enjoy the brilliant Meloni-Rama dynamics, and a number of top-tier conferences across Europe, including the Alliance's Mark Rutte’s trip to a German airbase.
Lots for us to cover.
Today is November 13, 13 November 2025, and we bring you Europe Live.
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