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EU finance ministers are meeting in Brussels this Thursday to tackle the union's financial agenda, including the increasingly urgent issue of financial support to the Ukrainian government.

Ukraine's President States Country's Existence Relies on Partners

Kyiv's leader Volodymyr Zelenskyy declared in a latest discussion that Ukraine's existence depended on receiving additional financial aid from allies.

“I hope, with luck, they will approve the necessary funding,” he told media outlets. Otherwise, “It will be necessary to seek an alternative, it concerns our survival. For this reason it is essential very much. And I count on our allies.”

EU Commission Advocates €140 Billion Compensation Funding

The European Commission still hopes to convince participating countries – and Belgium, that continues to bloc the proposal amid legal fears – to move ahead on a €140bn reparations loan based on frozen Russian assets.

Commission president Ursula von der Leyen emphasized today that this represents “the most effective way to support Kyiv's military and its economy.”

Decision Postponed Until December Summit

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

Discussions Coincide with Bribery Allegations in Ukraine

But these discussions are happening during a difficult moment for Ukraine, as Zelenskyy had to move to address growing public outrage in the country regarding a corruption scandal in the power industry, firing several officials who are accused of participating in a large-scale corruption network.

Denmark's economic affairs minister Stephanie Lose was asked about her response to the allegations, and affirmed that there was commitment to keep aiding the Ukrainian people.

“Naturally, The country will have to continuously work with improvements, strengthening all parts of their society [and] that also applies to fighting graft … but it is clear that there’s a strong European support with Kyiv,” she said.

Other EU Developments Under Watch

In other news, analysts will be monitoring the Netherlands where the parliament meets to examine potential ways ahead in the government formation process, the Italy-Albania consultations in Rome giving us the most recent opportunity to witness the brilliant leadership interplay, and a number of top-tier meetings across Europe, including the Alliance's the secretary general's trip to a German airbase.

Much to report on.

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

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