21
Oct
2025
Regarder
Augmenter le financement de la reconstruction et de la défense de l'Ukraine: l'utilisation des avoirs russes gelés (débat)
Madam President, colleagues, I'm quite disappointed that the Council is not here, but I am sure they are listening carefully. Now is the time to support Ukraine and to show European leadership towards a durable peace. Now is the time to support the Commission's proposals for the reparations loan that is legally sound, avoids confiscation, is morally right, and you have broad support here, Council, to do it. Russia's aggression and responsibility for reparations are indisputable. The process to render binding decisions will take time; time that neither Ukraine nor we have. The strategic moment is now, and I urge you, the Council, to act fast, sending a very clear message to Russia, to the United States and to our Ukrainian friends. We stand with Ukraine for as long as it takes. We want peace – fair, just, durable. But when we and you, Council, were sending these very clear messages, it was a bold message. But bold messages must be accompanied with bold actions to make them a reality. A reparations loan offers the best path forward to strengthen Ukraine's defence, increase the pressure on Russia, and put Europe in a leading position, and to enforce peace. Because it is an advance on reparations that Russia will be obliged to pay; if Russia fails to pay, the reparations that have been agreed or awarded assets should remain frozen or be seized. If Russia pays, Ukraine can pay back. And those still worried about risk, imagine, the long term economic and security costs for our continent if Ukraine fails for lack of money. The reparation loan is a game changer. Now is not the time for short term national interest, but for a strong Union action. Now is the time for the loan.