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European Union finance ministers are meeting in Brussels this morning to address the union's financial priorities, featuring the increasingly urgent issue of financial support to the Ukrainian government.

Zelenskyy States Country's Survival Relies on Partners

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy declared in a recent interview that Ukraine's existence depended on obtaining additional financial aid from allies.

“We trust, with luck, we will get this decision,” he stated to media outlets. If not, “We will have to find an alternative, it’s a question of our survival. For this reason we need it urgently. We rely on partners.”

European Authorities Pushes for €140bn Compensation Funding

The EU executive still hopes to persuade participating countries – and Belgium, that is currently blocking the proposal due to juridical concerns – to move ahead on a €140bn reparations loan using frozen Russian assets.

EU chief Ursula von der Leyen insisted today that it would be “the optimal method to support Ukraine’s defence and national finances.”

Resolution Delayed Till Year-End Summit

A definitive resolution on the matter has been postponed till the European Council meeting in December, as the financial support needed early next year.

Discussions Occur Amid Corruption Scandal in Kyiv

But these discussions are happening during a difficult time for Ukraine, as Zelenskyy had to move to contain rising popular anger in Ukraine over a bribery incident in the energy sector, dismissing several officials who are accused of involvement in a extensive corruption network.

Denmark's economic affairs minister Stephanie Lose was questioned on her response to the scandal, and affirmed that there was determination to keep aiding Ukraine.

“Naturally, Ukraine will have to persistently focus with improvements, strengthening every sector of their society [and] including anti-corruption … but there shouldn’t be any doubt that there’s a strong European support behind Ukraine,” she stated.

Additional European Events Under Watch

In other news, observers will be monitoring the Netherlands where the legislature meets to discuss possible directions in the coalition talks, Rome-Tirana discussions in the Italian capital offering the latest chance to witness the remarkable Meloni-Rama dynamics, and a series of high-level conferences throughout the continent, including Nato’s the secretary general's visit to a military installation in Germany.

Much to report on.

It’s Thursday, 13 November 2025, and this is Europe Live.

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