EU PARLIAMENT FAST-TRACKS UKRAINE LOAN DESPITE RESISTANCE 

The European Parliament voted Tuesday to fast-track legislation on a reparations loan for Ukraine funded by borrowing against profits from frozen Russian assets, with a vote scheduled for January 19-22, 2026.

The proposed loan would provide approximately €90 billion to support Ukraine’s state budget, military capabilities, and defense industry integration through 2027, backed by roughly €210 billion in immobilized Russian central bank assets held in the EU.

EU heads of state will attempt to reach agreement on the proposal at a summit December 18-19 in Brussels, amid resistance from Belgium and France over legal liability concerns regarding the frozen assets.