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EU economic leaders are meeting in the EU capital this Thursday to address the bloc's financial priorities, featuring the increasingly urgent issue of financial support to Ukraine.

Ukraine's President Warns Country's Existence Depends on Allies

Kyiv's leader Volodymyr Zelenskyy declared in a recent interview that the country's survival relied on receiving more funds from allies.

“I hope, with luck, we will get the necessary funding,” he stated to reporters. If not, “It will be necessary to seek another solution, it’s a question of our surviving. For this reason we need it very much. We rely on partners.”

European Authorities Pushes for €140bn Reparations Loan

The European Commission still hopes to persuade member states – including Belgium, which continues to bloc the proposal amid juridical concerns – to move ahead on a €140 billion reparations loan based on Moscow's immobilized funds.

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

Resolution Delayed Till December Summit

A definitive resolution on the matter has been postponed 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 Corruption Scandal in Ukraine

But the talks come at a tricky time for Kyiv, as the president had to move to contain growing public outrage in Ukraine regarding a corruption scandal in the energy sector, firing two ministers who are accused of participating in a large-scale bribery scheme.

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

“Of course, Ukraine will have to continuously work with reforms, reinforcing all parts of their society [and] including fighting graft … but there shouldn’t be any doubt that Europe stands firmly behind Ukraine,” she stated.

Additional EU Events Under Watch

In other news, observers will be monitoring Holland where the parliament meets to discuss possible directions in the government formation process, Rome-Tirana discussions in the Italian capital giving us the most recent opportunity to enjoy the brilliant leadership interplay, and a series of top-tier conferences across Europe, including the Alliance's Mark Rutte’s visit to a German airbase.

Lots for us to report on.

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

Good morning.