The European Union has adopted a final decision regarding frozen Russian assets: they will remain blocked, but not confiscated. This decision has caused a wide resonance, as many expected these funds to be directed towards the restoration of Ukraine. Why did the EU not dare to take a radical step and what factors influenced this decision?
Why doesn’t the EU confiscate Russian assets?
According to official statements, the main reason for not confiscating the assets is legislative limitations. The European Council stated:
“According to EU law, Russian assets must remain frozen until Russia stops its aggressive war against Ukraine and compensates for damages.”
In other words, Europe believes that full confiscation of these funds may violate international norms and set a dangerous precedent.
Political Risks and Key Countries’ Positions
Not all European countries support the decision to confiscate Russian assets. France, Germany, Italy, and Spain, as well as the President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen, oppose this move.
Reasons for their position:
🔹 Legal Uncertainty – confiscation may contradict international law and create risks for EU assets in the future.
🔹 Fear of Moscow’s Response – Russia may freeze or expropriate European assets on its territory.
🔹 Possibility of Using Assets as Leverage – the frozen 200 billion euros could become a key factor in future negotiations between the West and the Kremlin.
What will happen to the assets next?
Despite refusing confiscation, the EU stated that Russian assets would remain frozen until the end of the war. Meanwhile, the European Union intends to increase pressure on Russia through new sanctions and stricter enforcement.
Some experts believe that the frozen funds could be used as collateral or a mechanism for payments to Ukraine without formal confiscation. However, no specific decisions in this direction have been made yet.
Conclusions
🔹 The EU decided against confiscating Russian assets due to legal and political risks.
🔹 Funds will remain frozen until Russia ceases the war.
🔹 Some EU countries oppose complete asset seizure due to fear of Kremlin’s retaliatory actions.
🔹 Europe may use these funds as leverage in negotiations with Russia.
The question remains unanswered: will the EU change its position in case of further escalation of the war, and will Ukraine be able to receive compensation for the damages incurred through Russian funds?
