EU Economic Ministers Gather to Debate Accessing €140bn in Immobilized Russian Funds for Kyiv Support
European Union economic leaders are meeting in Brussels this morning to address the union's financial priorities, featuring the pressing issue of funding for Ukraine.
Zelenskyy States Country's Survival Depends on Partners
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy declared in a recent discussion that the country's survival relied on receiving more funds from international partners.
“I hope, with luck, they will approve this decision,” he told reporters. Otherwise, “It will be necessary to seek another solution, it’s a question of our survival. For this reason we need it urgently. And I count on our allies.”
European Authorities Advocates €140bn Reparations Loan
The EU executive still hopes to convince participating countries – including Belgium, which continues to bloc the plan due to legal fears – to move ahead on a €140 billion financial compensation using Moscow's immobilized funds.
EU chief Ursula von der Leyen insisted today that it would be “the optimal method to support Ukraine’s defence and national finances.”
Decision Delayed Till December Meeting
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 Occur Amid Corruption Scandal in Kyiv
But the talks are happening during a difficult moment for Kyiv, as the president had to move to contain growing public outrage in Ukraine over a bribery incident in the power industry, firing two ministers allegedly involved in involvement in a large-scale corruption network.
Denmark's finance leader Stephanie Lose was questioned on her response to the allegations, and affirmed that there was determination to continue supporting the Ukrainian people.
“Naturally, The country will have to continuously work with improvements, strengthening every sector of the nation [and] that also applies to anti-corruption … but there shouldn’t be any doubt that Europe stands firmly behind Kyiv,” she said.
Additional European Events Monitored
In other news, analysts will be keeping an eye on the Netherlands where the parliament meets to examine possible directions in the coalition talks, the Italy-Albania consultations in Rome giving us the latest chance to witness the brilliant Meloni-Rama dynamics, and a number of high-level conferences across Europe, including Nato’s the secretary general's visit to a German airbase.
Lots for us to cover.
It’s November 13, 13 November 2025, and this is Europe Live.
Good morning.
