European Union finance ministers are gathering in Brussels this Thursday to address the bloc's economic agenda, featuring the pressing question of funding for Ukraine.
Ukraine's President Warns Country's Survival Relies on Partners
Kyiv's leader Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated in a latest discussion that the country's survival relied on receiving more funds from international partners.
“I hope, with luck, we will get the necessary funding,” he told media outlets. Otherwise, “It will be necessary to seek another solution, it concerns our survival. For this reason we need it very much. We rely on our allies.”
European Authorities Pushes for €140bn Reparations Loan
The EU executive still hopes to convince member states – including Belgium, which is currently blocking the proposal amid legal fears – to move ahead on a €140 billion financial compensation using frozen Russian assets.
EU chief Ursula von der Leyen emphasized this morning that it would be “the optimal method to sustain Kyiv's military and national finances.”
Decision Delayed Till Year-End Meeting
A definitive resolution on the matter has been deferred until the European Council meeting in the last month, as the financial support needed at the start of the coming year.
Talks Occur Amid Bribery Allegations in Ukraine
But these discussions are happening during a tricky time for Kyiv, as Zelenskyy was forced to contain growing public outrage in Ukraine over a bribery incident in the energy sector, firing two ministers who are accused of involvement in a extensive bribery scheme.
Danish economic affairs minister Stephanie Lose was questioned on her reaction to the scandal, and insisted that there was determination to continue supporting Ukraine.
“Naturally, Ukraine will have to continuously work with improvements, reinforcing all parts of the nation [and] that also applies to fighting graft … but there shouldn’t be any doubt that there’s a strong European support behind Kyiv,” she said.
Other European Developments Monitored
In other news, observers will be keeping an eye on Holland where the legislature convenes to examine possible directions in the government formation process, Rome-Tirana discussions in Rome giving us the latest chance to witness the remarkable leadership interplay, and a series of high-level conferences across Europe, including Nato’s Mark Rutte’s trip to a German airbase.
Lots for us to report on.
It’s Thursday, November 13, 2025, and this is Europe Live.
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