Al Jazeera News Updates Europe divided on frozen Russian assets, EU-Mercosur trade agreement
Dec 18, 2025
The discussion dives into the EU's contentious debate on using nearly $200 billion in frozen Russian assets to support Ukraine, highlighting divided opinions among member states. Legal protections are a hot topic, especially from Belgium. Meanwhile, Zelensky emphasizes the urgency for funding to bolster drone production and reconstruction. The podcast also covers the postponement of the EU-Mercosur trade deal due to farmer protests, shedding light on concerns from Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay, and Uruguay. Additionally, M23 rebels in the DR Congo are set to withdraw under certain conditions.
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EU Divided Over Using Frozen Russian Assets
- Europe is split on using nearly $200 billion in frozen Russian assets to finance Ukraine's war effort.
- Most EU states favour using the funds but disagree sharply on legal and investor-risk safeguards.
Key EU States Oppose Immediate Use
- Germany backs using the frozen assets while Belgium, Italy, Malta, Bulgaria and Hungary oppose immediate use.
- Concerns include legal retaliation by Moscow and damage to Eurozone investor confidence.
Protect Euroclear Assets Before Reallocation
- Secure legal and financial protections before repurposing assets held in Euroclear Bank to limit court retaliation.
- Reassure investors and provide guarantees to prevent erosion of Eurozone confidence.