An EU plan to raise a €140 billion loan for Ukraine was pushed off for at least two months after Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever resisted using confiscated Russian assets to fund it. Belgium, home to most of the immobilized assets via Euroclear, forced leaders to soften summit language, merely inviting the Commission to present financing options. The delay rekindled doubts over Europe’s resolve. Emmanuel Macron said the idea isn’t dead and ECB chief Christine Lagarde called the risks manageable, but De Wever warned Belgian taxpayers could face “completely insane” exposure.

Prepared by Lauren Mitchell and reviewed by editorial team.