欧盟内讧再起，被冻结的俄罗斯资产，为何成为欧盟的麻烦之源

Core Viewpoint - The European Union (EU) faces internal divisions regarding the use of frozen Russian assets, originally intended to pressure Russia, but now causing disputes among member states as they seek to aid Ukraine amid financial challenges [1][3][5]. Group 1: Financial Context - The EU and the US froze approximately €300 billion of Russian central bank reserves since the onset of the Ukraine conflict in February 2022, with about €210 billion held in the European Clearing Bank in Brussels [1][3]. - By June 2024, EU leaders agreed to allocate around €3 billion annually from the interest of these frozen assets to support Ukraine, but increasing financial pressure has led to discussions about using the principal amount [3][5]. Group 2: Political Dynamics - Belgium, as the custodian of the frozen assets, opposes plans to use them for loans to Ukraine, citing legal and financial risks, including potential retaliation from Russia [7][9]. - The EU's decision-making process is hampered by the requirement for unanimous consent among member states, leading to complications in advancing proposals related to the frozen assets [13][20]. Group 3: International Relations - The EU's attempts to leverage frozen Russian assets for Ukraine aid have been met with skepticism, as Russia warns that such actions could be viewed as theft and may lead to severe diplomatic repercussions [7][16]. - Japan's refusal to participate in the asset freeze plan during a G7 meeting highlights the growing rifts within the Western alliance regarding the approach to Russia [15][22]. Group 4: Future Implications - The EU is projected to face a funding gap of approximately €135 billion for Ukraine in 2026 and 2027, necessitating urgent solutions to avoid a financial crisis [5][20]. - The upcoming EU summit on December 18 is critical for resolving these issues, but ongoing disagreements among member states, particularly Belgium and Hungary, threaten to stall progress [20][22].