Belgium Blocks €140 Billion EU Loan to Ukraine

Belgium has blocked a proposed €140 billion loan to Ukraine, according to Politico. Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever expressed concerns about the financial burden on his country, as Belgium holds the majority of frozen Russian assets.

EU leaders failed to alleviate De Wever's concerns, postponing the decision to the next summit. De Wever stated it was unfair to portray Belgium as the country unwilling to help, emphasizing it was unreasonable for Belgian taxpayers to bear the burden.

The EU had hoped to mandate the Commission to present a legal proposal, but De Wever prevented it. The decision on the loan is delayed for at least two months.