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EU economic leaders are gathering in the EU capital this morning to address the bloc's economic agenda, including the increasingly urgent question of funding for Ukraine.

Zelenskyy States Country's Survival Relies on Allies

Kyiv's leader Volodymyr Zelenskyy declared in a latest discussion that Ukraine's existence relied on obtaining more funds from allies.

“I hope, with luck, we will get this decision,” he stated to media outlets. Otherwise, “It will be necessary to seek an alternative, it’s a question of our surviving. For this reason it is essential urgently. We rely on our allies.”

European Authorities Advocates €140bn Compensation Funding

The European Commission continues to aim to persuade member states – including Belgium, which continues to bloc the proposal amid juridical concerns – to move ahead on a €140bn financial compensation using Moscow's immobilized funds.

Commission president Ursula von der Leyen insisted this morning that this represents “the most effective way to sustain Ukraine’s defence and its economy.”

Decision Delayed Until Year-End Summit

A definitive resolution on the matter has been postponed till the EU leaders’s summit in December, as the financial support needed at the start of the coming year.

Discussions Occur Amid Corruption Scandal in Ukraine

But the talks come at a difficult moment for Ukraine, as the president was forced to contain growing public outrage in Ukraine regarding a bribery incident in the energy sector, dismissing several officials allegedly involved in participating in a large-scale bribery scheme.

Denmark's economic affairs minister Stephanie Lose was questioned on her response to the scandal, and insisted that there was determination to continue supporting Ukraine.

“Of course, Ukraine will have to continuously work with improvements, reinforcing all parts of the nation [and] including anti-corruption … but there shouldn’t be any doubt that Europe stands firmly behind Ukraine,” she said.

Additional European Events Monitored

Separately, analysts will be keeping an eye on Holland where the parliament convenes to examine possible directions in the coalition talks, Rome-Tirana discussions in Rome giving us the most recent opportunity to witness the brilliant leadership interplay, and a number of high-level meetings throughout the continent, including the Alliance's Mark Rutte’s trip to a military installation in Germany.

Much to report on.

Today is Thursday, 13 November 2025, and this is Europe Live.

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