European Union finance ministers are gathering in the EU capital this morning to address the bloc's economic agenda, including the increasingly urgent question of financial support to the Ukrainian government.
Ukraine's President States Country's Existence Depends on Allies
Kyiv's leader Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated in a latest interview that the country's survival relied on obtaining additional financial aid from allies.
“We trust, God bless, they will approve the necessary funding,” he told media outlets. If not, “It will be necessary to seek an alternative, it concerns our survival. That’s why it is essential urgently. And I count on our allies.”
EU Commission Advocates €140 Billion Compensation Funding
The European Commission continues to aim to convince participating countries – and Belgium, that continues to bloc the proposal due to legal fears – to proceed with a €140bn financial compensation using Moscow's immobilized funds.
Commission president Ursula von der Leyen emphasized this morning that it would be “the most effective way to support Kyiv's military and its economy.”
Resolution Delayed Till Year-End Meeting
A final decision on the issue has been postponed until the EU leaders’s summit in the last month, as the financial support needed early next year.
Talks Occur Amid Corruption Scandal in Kyiv
But these discussions come at a difficult time for Ukraine, as Zelenskyy had to move to address rising popular anger in the country regarding a corruption scandal in the energy sector, dismissing several officials allegedly involved in participating in a extensive bribery scheme.
Denmark's finance leader Stephanie Lose was questioned on her response to the scandal, and affirmed that there was commitment to continue supporting Ukraine.
“Naturally, Ukraine will have to continuously work with reforms, strengthening every sector of their society [and] including fighting graft … but there shouldn’t be any doubt that Europe stands firmly with Kyiv,” she said.
Additional EU Events Under Watch
In other news, analysts will be keeping an eye on the Netherlands where the parliament meets to discuss potential ways ahead in the coalition talks, the Italy-Albania consultations in the Italian capital giving us the most recent opportunity to enjoy the brilliant leadership interplay, and a number of high-level conferences across Europe, including Nato’s Mark Rutte’s trip to a military installation in Germany.
Lots for us to report on.
It’s Thursday, 13 November 2025, and we bring you European Updates.
Good morning.
