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EU finance ministers are meeting in the EU capital this morning to tackle the union's economic priorities, featuring the increasingly urgent issue of funding for the Ukrainian government.

Zelenskyy Warns Country's Survival Relies on Partners

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy declared in a latest interview that the country's survival depended on obtaining additional financial aid from allies.

“We trust, God bless, we will get this decision,” he told media outlets. Otherwise, “We will have to find an alternative, it’s a question of our survival. For this reason it is essential very much. And I count on partners.”

EU Commission Pushes for €140 Billion Compensation Funding

The EU executive still hopes to persuade participating countries – and Belgium, that is currently blocking the plan due to juridical concerns – to move ahead on a €140bn financial compensation based on Moscow's immobilized funds.

Commission president Ursula von der Leyen insisted today that it would be “the most effective way to support Ukraine’s defence and its economy.”

Decision Delayed Until December Summit

A final decision on the matter has been deferred until the EU leaders’s summit in December, as the financial support needed at the start of the coming year.

Talks Coincide with Bribery Allegations in Kyiv

But these discussions are happening during a tricky time for Kyiv, as the president was forced to address growing public outrage in Ukraine regarding a corruption scandal in the energy sector, firing two ministers who are accused of participating in a extensive bribery scheme.

Danish finance leader Stephanie Lose was asked about her response to the scandal, and insisted that there was determination to continue supporting Ukraine.

“Of course, The country will have to continuously work with reforms, strengthening every sector of the nation [and] including anti-corruption … but there shouldn’t be any doubt that there’s a strong European support behind Ukraine,” she stated.

Other European Developments Under Watch

Separately, observers will be monitoring Holland where the parliament convenes to discuss possible directions in the government formation process, Rome-Tirana discussions in the Italian capital giving us the most recent opportunity to enjoy the remarkable leadership interplay, and a number of high-level meetings throughout the continent, including Nato’s Mark Rutte’s trip to a military installation in Germany.

Much to cover.

Today is Thursday, November 13, 2025, and this is European Updates.

Welcome.