In an interview on LN24, Deputy Prime Minister David Clarinval set out the Belgian government's position on the Russian assets frozen in Brussels.
The European Commission is indeed considering seizing the Russian assets held at Euroclear in order to finance a massive loan to Ukraine.
David Clarinval reminded of the sums at stake. “We're talking about 180 billion euros, roughly a third of Belgium's GDP. That's about a third of the wealth produced by Belgians every year.” And the risks involved: sanctions against Belgian companies, capital flight, a threat to Belgium…
The Deputy Prime Minister clearly defended the government's position: “We demand international guarantees before any decision. We are of course in solidarity with the Ukrainian people, but this approach carries major risks for Belgium. Sanctions must therefore be part of an international sanctions framework. Without these guarantees, we will exercise our right of veto.”
David Clarinval also revisited his major reform of the return to employment, the first phase of which begins on 1st January 2026.