The EU proposes a special purpose vehicle (SPV) that uses only the excess income from frozen Russian assets to finance war efforts in Ukraine, avoiding legal and geopolitical risks, without destabilizing Belgium or compromising global financial stability.
Europe must negotiate with Russia for peace in Ukraine, creating its own plan with Kyiv. Criticism is made of Trump’s lack of interest in a just peace. Emphasis is placed on Ukraine’s integration into the EU and the importance of increased European responsibility to influence Russia and end the war.
The European Union has funded Ukraine after the Russian invasion, but has not achieved greater institutional integration since 2022. Countries close to Russia lead military aid and rearmament in Europe, while the EU assumes the main financial role, which hinders future integrations in crisis due to the lack of agreement on political and institutional integration.
Europe faces a systemic rivalry with China, which includes cooperation, competition and confrontation. China challenges European prosperity with unfair trade practices and a dual circulation strategy, affecting the competitiveness of European companies. It uses economic coercion and pressures with trade restrictions. Europe must prepare to counter economic and security threats.
The negotiations in the Netherlands could impact the EU. D66, pro-EU, led the elections and seeks to form a government with a pro-EU stance in defense and market integration. This could influence Germany and offer an alternative to populism. A pro-EU Dutch government could address the EU budget 2028-2034 and proposals for flexibility. European economic integration and common projects are vital. Small countries in international trade support integration. The Netherlands could lead the push for greater integration and confidence in the EU.
