Belgium does not rule out the possibility of turning to the European Court of Justice if the EU takes a decision to provide Ukraine with the Russian assets frozen in the Belgian depository "Euroclear" without its consent. This was stated by Belgian Prime Minister Bart de Wever in a speech to the Federal Parliament, quoted by local media, BTA reported.
If an illegal and absurd decision is made that poses enormous threats to our country, I cannot rule out anything, said De Wever. He added that "Euroclear" also intends to turn to the European Court of Justice if necessary. According to him, the European Commission's proposal to adopt a decision by majority vote, rather than unanimity, is unfounded, as it provides for an urgent vote, and there is no urgency in this case.
De Wever believes that there are better ways to provide funds for Kiev, instead of Russian funds being "stolen". He noted that Russia "is not at war" with Europe and using Russian property in this case would be like destroying the embassy of a country, taking out the furniture and then selling it off.
As BTA reported, the EC proposed last week that financing for Ukraine in the next two years be provided either with funds in "Euroclear" or with a joint loan of EU countries. The Commission also proposed that the decision to use Russian funds frozen under EU sanctions against Russia over the war in Ukraine be taken by majority vote, and for a joint loan by unanimity.
For now, Belgium has refused to support the decision related to "Euroclear" for fear that it would be obliged to repay huge sums on its own in a short period of time. "Euroclear" has also warned of serious consequences for financial markets if the Russian funds are used. A decision is expected next week at the last meeting of the European Council of the year in Brussels.