The Duran Podcast Europe's white whale, Russia's frozen assets
20 snips
Dec 6, 2025 The discussion kicks off with Europe's intense focus on frozen Russian assets, revealing its potential economic fallout. Legal experts caution that asset seizures may breach regulations, echoing concerns about the legality of proposed emergency measures. The podcast delves into how the asset dispute signals waning support for Ukraine and raises alarms over corruption in its government. Inconsistent asset totals and investigations into EU officials add layers of complexity, with fears that mishandling this issue could undermine global trust in Europe.
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Obsessive Push For Russian Assets
- European leaders obsess over seizing Russian frozen assets despite legal and economic risks.
- Alexander Mercouris warns this pursuit risks destroying Belgian and EU economies and violates legal norms.
Euroclear And ECB Raise Legal Flags
- Euroclear and the ECB warn seizure plans are illegal and high risk and would likely lose in court.
- Alexander Mercouris explains treaty dispute mechanisms could lead to binding international rulings against the EU.
Emergency Powers To Bypass Vetoes
- The Commission proposes using emergency powers to freeze assets indefinitely and bypass vetoes.
- Mercouris says invoking crisis rules to prevent repaying Russia would be a gross misuse and illegal under EU law.
