The debate centers on whether to use this money — over €4 billion in 2024 — simply to support Ukraine’s budget or, more controversially, to purchase ammunition for the war-torn country.
It is separate from an ongoing push from the U.S. to convince the EU to use money from a wholesale confiscation of Russia’s assets frozen in the West — worth over €250 billion — rather than merely profits from their investments. European capitals have largely shied away from this debate because of legal and financial risks.
Capitals have red lines
Von der Leyen’s seemingly impromptu proposal in February to use the profits for weapons for Kyiv has complicated the talks within the bloc because governments had previously agreed that this funding should go towards non-military spending, an EU official said.
A statement from European leaders following their summit in October refers to the funds being used to support Ukraine’s recovery and reconstruction, without mentioning military needs.
The Commission is expected to formally put forward its preferred option shortly before leaders meet next Thursday — and a group of countries, which includes Germany, is waiting until then to express their position.
Capitals more critical of the proposal have already set out their red lines — which will have to be addressed by the Commission if it wants to muster political support for its plan.
