EU leaders are meeting to decide whether to unlock frozen Russian assets to fund Ukraine's needs in 2026-27. The plan faces opposition from Belgium and others over legal and political risks. The summit could last days or until Christmas, as disagreements persist.
Following Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022, the EU froze approximately 210 billion euros in Russian assets held in Europe, mainly in Belgium. The EU aims to use these assets to support Ukraine's economy and military needs, which the IMF estimates will total 137 billion euros in 2026-27. The plan involves complex legal and political considerations, with opposition from Belgium, Hungary, and Slovakia, and concerns over potential Russian retaliation and legal challenges.
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What is the EU’s plan to seize Russian assets to support Ukraine?
The European Union is considering a bold move to freeze and potentially seize Russian assets held in Europe to help fund Ukraine’s recovery. This unprecedented step aims to use frozen assets to support Ukraine’s military and economic rebuilding efforts amid ongoing tensions. But what does this mean for international law, EU politics, and Russia’s response? Below, we explore the key questions surrounding this controversial plan.
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How Does the Ukraine-Russia Conflict Impact Global Stability?
The ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia has far-reaching effects beyond the battlefield. From security concerns to economic repercussions and international diplomacy, this crisis influences global stability in complex ways. Curious about how this war shapes our world? Below are key questions and answers to help you understand the broader implications of the Ukraine-Russia conflict.
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Is Seizing Russian Assets Legal Under International Law?
The EU's move to freeze and potentially seize Russian assets to support Ukraine has sparked widespread debate. Many wonder whether such actions are legally permissible under international law, and what implications they might have for global legal standards. Below, we explore the legal and ethical questions surrounding asset seizures in conflict zones, including the potential consequences for international relations and future conflicts.
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Are UK Christmas Food Prices Stabilizing?
Many are wondering if the rising costs of Christmas food in the UK are easing or if inflation continues to hit household budgets. With supermarkets offering more promotions and some prices dropping, it's a mixed picture. Here’s what you need to know about this festive season’s food costs and what to expect when shopping for Christmas essentials.
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What Are the Latest Economic and Legal Battles Over Assets and Trade?
Recent developments in global trade and legal disputes are shaping the future of international relations. From the EU's plans to use Russian assets to fund Ukraine, to new trade agreements between India and Oman, these stories raise important questions about economic power, legal challenges, and geopolitical strategies. Below, we explore the key issues and answer common questions about these complex topics.
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Will the EU Unlock Russian Assets to Fund Ukraine?
EU leaders are currently debating whether to unlock frozen Russian assets to support Ukraine's future needs. This decision could have major legal, political, and geopolitical implications. Many are wondering what this means for Ukraine, the EU, and Russia. Below, we explore the key questions surrounding this complex issue.
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The European Union is a political and economic union of 27 member states that are located primarily in Europe. Its members have a combined area of 4,233,255.3 km² and an estimated total population of about 447 million.
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Ukraine is a country in Eastern Europe. It is the second-largest European country after Russia, which borders it to the east and northeast.
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Russia, or the Russian Federation, is a transcontinental country located in Eastern Europe and Northern Asia. Covering an area of 17,125,200 square kilometres, it is the largest country in the world by area, spanning more than one-eighth of the Earth's in
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Ursula Gertrud von der Leyen is a German politician and the president of the European Commission since 1 December 2019. She served in the federal government of Germany from 2005 to 2019 as the longest-serving member of Angela Merkel's cabinet.
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Euroclear, or the Euroclear Group, is a Belgium-based financial market infrastructure group that specialises in the central securities depository segment.
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Viktor Mihály Orbán is a Hungarian politician who has been Prime Minister of Hungary since 2010; he was also Prime Minister from 1998 to 2002.
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Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin is a Russian politician and former intelligence officer who has served as President of Russia since 2012, previously holding the position from 1999 until 2008.
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Robert Fico is a Slovak politician who served as Prime Minister of Slovakia from 2006 to 2010 and from 2012 to 2018. He has been the first leader of the Direction – Social Democracy party since 1999.
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António Luís Santos da Costa (born 17 July 1961) is a Portuguese lawyer and politician who has served as president of the European Council since 2024. He previously served as prime minister of Portugal from 2015 to 2024 and secretary-general of the...
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Hungary is a country in Central Europe. Spanning 93,030 square kilometres in the Carpathian Basin, it borders Slovakia to the north, Ukraine to the northeast, Romania to the east and southeast, Serbia to the south, Croatia and Slovenia to the southwest, a
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Slovakia, officially the Slovak Republic, is a landlocked country in Central Europe. It is bordered by Poland to the north, Ukraine to the east, Hungary to the south, Austria to the southwest, and Czech Republic to the northwest.
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Brussels, officially the Brussels-Capital Region, is a region of Belgium comprising 19 municipalities, including the City of Brussels, which is the capital of Belgium. The Brussels-Capital Region is located in the central portion of the country. It is...
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Belgium, officially the Kingdom of Belgium, is a country in Western Europe. It is bordered by the Netherlands to the north, Germany to the east, Luxembourg to the southeast, France to the southwest, and the North Sea to the northwest.
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Volodymyr Oleksandrovych Zelenskyy is a Ukrainian politician, actor and comedian who is the 6th and current president of Ukraine, serving since May 2019.