As we made clear from the beginning of the term of our government, the income tax perceived by Belgium finances substantial military support for Ukraine.”

The cash held at Euroclear must a fortiori remain available and covered. Our action must not create obstacles to a peace plan.

Those who pretend our position has any link with our internal budgetary matters are completely wrong. No link has ever been made internally between the two issues.

We continue pleading for option 2 (financing from the markets via the EU). It is a well-known and well-established option, operationally feasible, with predictable parameters.

Also, it is now clear for everyone that the assets can play an important role in a peace plan.

If we are the 28th of November without a clear answer on how we will support financially Ukraine, it’s only due to the obstinacy to use the assets without knowing how to do it nor understanding the risks that come with it.

These are the points we have been making for months. Belgium will not agree unless these concerns are addressed. I had also made it clear at the Foreign Affairs Council meeting last Wednesday.

In short: (i) Euroclear must be able to recall the cash at all times immediately and in full, (ii) full mutualisation of the risks for Belgium, (iii) go beyond Euroclear and Belgium.