Belgian Prime Minister wants transparency from other countries regarding Russian assets

De Wever spoke at the end of the meeting with the heads of state and government leaders on Wednesday to express his concerns about the Commission’s plan. This relates to the approximately 170 billion euros of the Russian central bank that are stuck with the securities firm Euroclear in Brussels. De Wever is very concerned about the legal risks of a “quasi-confiscation” of sovereign Russian funds.

The Belgian Prime Minister also emphasized that other countries, including EU countries, also host Russian funds. It would involve another 160 billion euros in assets, according to De Wever, who calls for transparency and the sharing of efforts. “How much Russian money is there? (…) What has happened to the profits so far? Are you also willing, ready, and able to put that on the table,” he wondered.

Belgium raises about 1.3 billion euros annually in corporate tax on the assets, money that it transfers to Ukraine. De Wever said he was still outraged by claims that Belgium would oppose the use of Russian assets to retain that tax revenue.

“Belgium is the only country (with Russian assets) that gives the money to Ukraine,” he said, before suggesting offering that billion to anyone willing to take over Belgium’s Russian assets. “It would be the best day of my career if I saw that money disappear,” De Wever added.

The Prime Minister reiterated that Belgium is willing to move forward with the asset dossier. “No one wants the immobilized assets to go back to Russia,” and he understands the motivations to use the money, he said. However, Belgium wants legal certainty, solidarity, and transparency.