Bart de Wever, the Belgian Prime Minister, warned about the confiscation of frozen Russian assets that could provoke severe reprisals from Moscow, calling for solidarity from the EU.

The Belgian Prime Minister Bart de Wever highlighted the risks associated with the confiscation of frozen Russian assets, warning that it could lead to severe reprisals from Moscow. Belgium, which holds the majority of these assets, fears legal and financial consequences. De Wever stated that the pressure exerted on his country is "incredible" and that he will block the EU initiative if there is no joint assumption of risks.

He emphasized that the confiscation of sovereign funds would be an unprecedented gesture, comparing the situation to the history of asset confiscations during wars. Additionally, Belgian Foreign Minister Maxime Prevot expressed concerns regarding the EU's plans to use these assets to finance a 140 billion euro loan for Ukraine, calling for guarantees to cover the risks for Belgium. De Wever insisted that, without a mutualization of risks, he will do everything possible to block the plan, emphasizing that Belgium will not accept to bear the consequences alone.