A decision on a possible reparations loan for Ukraine is set to dominate the EU summit in Brussels today, with the Mercosur free trade agreement also likely to be discussed. The future of the EU as a geopolitical heavyweight is riding on both issues.
By Stephan Israel
A majority of Germans are in favor of robust security guarantees for Ukraine in order to prevent future attacks by Russia.
By Viktor Funk
With the help of an emergency clause, a large majority of EU states have decided to place a long-term block on Russian state bank funds. This increases the likelihood of the Ukraine reparation loan, which could strengthen the EU’s role in the peace negotiations.
By Stephan Israel, János Allenbach-Ammann and Wilhelmine Stenglin
The EU states have found a way to block Russian state bank funds for the longer term. This improves the chances of the Ukraine reparation loan. An agreement at the summit here would be a prerequisite for the EU to be taken seriously in the US-led peace negotiations.
By Stephan Israel, János Allenbach-Ammann and Wilhelmine Stenglin
Hosted by Keir Starmer, Merz and Macron are to discuss the status of the peace negotiations with Volodymyr Zelenskiy in London today, Monday. The dinner between Merz, von der Leyen and De Wever on the issue of financing Ukraine has not yet resulted in a breakthrough.
By Stephan Israel
Mark Rutte sees no danger of the USA making unilateral decisions about the alliance during the Ukraine negotiations with Russia. All NATO-relevant issues would be clarified separately. In Moscow, Vladimir Putin accompanied the start of the talks with the US delegation with new threats.
By Stephan Israel and Viktor Funk
The EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs has criticized the US strategy for peace negotiations in Ukraine. Emmanuel Macron backed Volodymyr Zelenskyy at a meeting at the Elysée, which was also attended by Friedrich Merz and other heads of government.
By Stephan Israel
The European Union wants to quickly approve a reparation loan for Ukraine in order to put more pressure on Russia to negotiate. The use of frozen Russian assets is intended to meet Ukraine’s financial needs and send clear signals to Russia.
By Stephan Israel
Thailand and Cambodia are working on de-escalating their border conflict. The withdrawal of heavy weapons should take place by the end of the year.
By Redaktion Table
The EU Commission and member states are still hoping to persuade Belgium of the merits of a reparations loan. However, they are also looking at alternative options such as including Russian funds in other member states or Eurobonds.
By János Allenbach-Ammann and Stephan Israel
