With this visit, we take the next step. We conclude six new MoUs - cooperation agreements - including on defence, cyber and semiconductors. This is how India and the Netherlands invest together in innovation and economic resilience. 2/2

In this context, the fact that Belgium keeps making windfall revenue on immobilized Russian reserves (via taxation of Euroclear) must be re-examined. Belgium should transfer all that corporate tax income, with retroactive effect starting March 2022, to Ukraine in a transparent manner. Now. (2/2)

One more point actually, about Belgium.

The Belgian authorities have indicated that they were vulnerable to Russian bullying. PM Bart De Wever has been commendably transparent that Putin's direct threats were among his motivations to oppose the Commission's proposal for a Reparations Loan. (1/2)

Meanwhile, the Russian reserves remain immobilized and the Reparations Loan idea can be revived in future. Overall, a very consequential decision that boils down to a show of EU strength and commitment. Even though many will paint it otherwise. (5/5 - end)

The decision also introduces a precedent for flexibility in deciding on this kind of EU funding, namely the possibility of opting out for a few countries that don’t share the scheme’s objectives. This precedent is likely to be very useful in future EU decision-making. A strategic win. (4/5)

Compared with the proposed Reparations Loan: this morning’s decision provides the same amount of financing in 2026 and 2027, with the result that Ukraine’s needs are well covered. The financial conditions are slightly less advantageous for the EU, but the cost difference is small. (3/N)

In 2022, financial support to Ukraine was led by the US with Europeans as followers. Now the EU is leading it, while the US has withdrawn from the financial front. As recently as a year ago, the dominant expectation was that the EU would have no choice but to follow a US financial withdrawal. (2/N)

Dit is een heel mooi interview en ik heb diep respect voor het diplomatieke werk van Rutte als SG NAVO en dat geldt ook voor zijn niet-aflatende steun voor Oekraïne.

Rutte is een uitstekende NAVO-baas voor deze tijden.

During my visit to the NXP campus and a session with tech leaders, we explored how to take this cooperation forward. India is investing heavily - reflected in its dedicated Ministry of Electronics & IT. This underscores that this domain is at the heart of its ambitions. 2/2