The article argues that the EU should use Russia’s frozen assets to finance Ukraine’s defense and democratic reforms. A proposed “Reparations Loan” of €140 billion could strengthen Ukraine’s resilience and safeguard European security. However, experts caution that wartime centralization of power in Ukraine threatens checks and balances and political pluralism. EU membership is seen as the best framework to preserve the rule of law, but accession is stalled by political vetoes. Without decisive action, Europe risks losing momentum in supporting Ukraine’s democratic transformation. The message is clear: solidarity must translate into tangible resources, not just rhetoric.
Source: EUobserver
Date: November 13, 2025