The EU has decided to permanently freeze Russia's assets in the European Union.
Belgium, Bulgaria, Italy and Malta also voted in favour.
However, these four countries made it clear that their agreement to an indefinite freeze does not necessarily mean agreement to the allocation of a loan to Ukraine using these assets.
“In the spirit of cooperation, Belgium, Bulgaria, Italy, and Malta vote “YES” within the framework of the current written procedure, but clarify that this vote does not under any circumstances prejudge the decision on the possible use of frozen Russian assets, which must be taken at the leadership level,” the four countries said in a statement.
The final decision on the fate of the assets and the loan is due to be made at the EU summit on December 18–19.
