Brussels: The EU foreign policy chief announced that the European Union is recognizing Belgium's apprehensions regarding the proposed Ukraine reparations loan, with a general consensus among member states to distribute the legal and financial responsibilities.
According to Anadolu Agency, Kaja Kallas addressed the situation following the Foreign Affairs Council meeting in Brussels. She emphasized that Belgium's concerns are being acknowledged, highlighting the shared understanding that the burden should not fall solely on the nation hosting frozen Russian assets. Kallas expressed the collective willingness to share these burdens across the EU.
Kallas further elaborated that the reparations loan is currently the most practical option to support Ukraine, adhering to the principle that the aggressor must bear the costs of the damage inflicted. EU leaders are set to deliberate on Ukraine's funding for the years 2026-2027 during an upcoming European Council meeting.
She noted that while supporting Ukraine entails costs, the consequences of allowing Ukraine to fall would be significantly more expensive for Europe. Kallas reiterated that efforts should be directed towards pressuring Russia, which continues to reject peace initiatives.
In addition to funding discussions, EU ministers agreed to escalate actions against Russia by enhancing sanctions on its shadow fleet, a crucial revenue source for financing the war. The EU has expanded its sanctions list to include approximately 40 vessels, as well as individuals and entities associated with Russian oil companies Rosneft and Lukoil and shipping firms involved in circumventing sanctions.
Kallas stated that the EU will now impose sanctions on shadow fleet vessels on a rolling monthly basis to swiftly respond to Russia's evolving strategies. She emphasized the significant impact of previous measures on Russian oil revenues and the need for agile EU actions against Russia's hybrid tactics.
Furthermore, ministers consented to additional sanctions targeting individuals engaged in Russian hybrid activities against EU nations.
Regarding Syria, Kallas highlighted ongoing discussions on the Middle East, a year after the fall of Bashar al-Assad's regime. Despite the regime's collapse, Syria continues to grapple with challenges such as sectarian violence, weak institutions, lack of inclusivity and rule of law, and persistent security threats.
Kallas reminded that the EU was the first to lift sanctions to aid Syria's reconstruction but underscored that sanctions relief alone is insufficient for stability and economic recovery. She mentioned the importance of investor confidence in the legal system to prevent the situation from spiraling out of control, noting ongoing adjustments to the EU's sanctions regime as conditions in Syria change.
Ministers agreed to advance a new EU-Syria political partnership, with Kallas cautioning that without increased EU engagement, other powers, including Russia, may fill the void.