European Union finance ministers are gathering in the EU capital this morning to tackle the union's financial priorities, featuring the pressing issue of funding for the Ukrainian government.
Zelenskyy States Country's Survival Depends on Partners
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated in a latest interview that Ukraine's existence relied on receiving more funds from allies.
“We trust, God bless, they will approve the necessary funding,” he stated to media outlets. If not, “It will be necessary to seek an alternative, it’s a question of our survival. For this reason it is essential very much. We rely on partners.”
European Authorities Advocates €140 Billion Compensation Funding
The EU executive still hopes to convince participating countries – and Belgium, which continues to bloc the proposal due to legal fears – to proceed with a €140 billion financial compensation based on frozen Russian assets.
EU chief Ursula von der Leyen emphasized today that this represents “the optimal method to support Kyiv's military and national finances.”
Decision Postponed Till December Meeting
A definitive resolution on the matter has been deferred till the European Council meeting in the last month, as the financial support needed at the start of the coming year.
Talks Coincide with Bribery Allegations in Kyiv
But these discussions come at a tricky time for Ukraine, as the president was forced to address growing public outrage in the country regarding a bribery incident in the power industry, dismissing several officials allegedly involved in involvement in a large-scale bribery scheme.
Denmark's economic affairs minister Stephanie Lose was questioned on her response to the allegations, and affirmed that there was commitment to keep aiding the Ukrainian people.
“Naturally, Ukraine will have to continuously work with improvements, strengthening all parts of their society [and] that also applies to anti-corruption … but it is clear that Europe stands firmly behind Kyiv,” she stated.
Other EU Developments Under Watch
In other news, observers will be keeping an eye on Holland where the parliament meets to discuss possible directions in the government formation process, Rome-Tirana discussions in the Italian capital offering the latest chance to witness the brilliant Meloni-Rama dynamics, and a series of high-level conferences throughout the continent, including Nato’s the secretary general's trip to a German airbase.
Lots for us to report on.
It’s Thursday, November 13, 2025, and we bring you Europe Live.
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