Share
Europe News Today | 2 Min News | The Daily News Now
Belgium's Legal Risks in Using Frozen Russian Assets
•
Belgiums legal concerns over using frozen Russian assets for Ukraine may be unfounded. Despite Prime Minister Bart De Wevers worries about potential lawsuits from Moscow, two independent legal opinions suggest that the risk is low. Both Covington and Burling law firm and a group of international legal scholars argue that Russia would struggle to find a court willing to hear a case against Belgium or enforce a judgment. They also note that any ruling from a Russian court would not be recognized in the EU or UK due to public policy reasons. Furthermore, the bilateral investment treaty between Belgium and Russia would not apply to sovereign assets, meaning it would not expose Brussels to legal risk. The scholars conclude that the most significant legal risks were already overcome when the assets were frozen, and using them for reparations would not create substantial new risks.
DNN | The Daily News Now!
The world’s first global local news network.
Every city. Every story. AI powered.
More episodes
View all episodes
EU's Gas Car Ban Overturned, New Emissions Target Set
01:44|EUs Gasoline Car Ban Overturned: Germanys Influence Prevails The European Unions ambitious plan to ban new gasoline-powered cars by 2035 has been thwarted, marking a significant shift in the EUs approach to automotive emissions. The reversal, largely due to pressure from Germany and the European Peoples Party, replaces the ban with a new target: a 90% reduction in emissions for all cars sold after 2035. This change allows for the continued sale of traditional combustion engines and plug-in hybrids, provided they meet certain emission standards. Germanys influence in challenging the proposed ban was pivotal, as the country is home to Europes largest car industry and is a key member of the pro-business political group.AI-Guided Study Abroad: Paris Dreams
02:39|An American AI company, Interaction, created a viral ad showcasing an American students study abroad experience in Paris, guided by their AI assistant. The ad highlights the dream of Americans experiencing Europe with AI as a wise friend. However, the company was founded by German transplants, reflecting a trend of European AI talent migrating to the US due to regulatory differences and the Bay Areas libertarian ethos. Despite Europes efforts to boost its AI sector, the US remains dominant, with 80% of AI investment and 40 notable AI models in 2023-2024.EU School Crisis: Overcrowded, Delayed, and Unsuitable
02:17|Hundreds of children in Brussels face disruption as the European School systems youngest students are moved to a temporary location due to severe overcrowding. The new site in Evere is a stopgap until a fifth campus in Neder-Over-Heembeek is built, but construction has faced continuous delays with no clear timeline. Parents are worried about the uncertainty and the Evere campuss security infrastructure and poor air quality. The European Schools network, funded by the European Commission, offers free tuition but faces challenges in finding clear accountability and solutions to these ongoing structural problems.EPP Leaders Celebrate Policy Victories, Reversing Combustion Engine Ban
02:18|The European Peoples Party (EPP) celebrates policy victories, including changes to environmental regulations and deportation efforts, with German leaders Manfred Weber and Friedrich Merz at the forefront. They successfully reversed a planned ban on combustion engines, a move publicly celebrated by both leaders, causing controversy among liberal and center-left politicians.EU Summit: Russian Assets Funding Ukraine, Trump's Influence
01:51|EU leaders gather in Brussels for a pivotal summit, debating the use of frozen Russian assets to aid Ukraines recovery. The decision sparks divisions, with the US, under Trump, reportedly influencing European policy. Ukraines President Zelenskyy emphasizes the urgent need for funds, while EU officials contemplate a nuclear option to push the deal through. The summits outcome will impact Ukraines financial future and the EUs unity.Spain's Sánchez: Europe's Housing Crisis Threatens Democratic Values
02:00|Spains Prime Minister, Pedro Sánchez, is sounding the alarm on Europes affordable housing crisis, with home and rental prices skyrocketing and many families spending over seventy percent of their income on rent. The issue stems from a long-standing shortage of new homes, exacerbated by the financial crisis and the pandemic. The European Commissions new Affordable Housing Plan aims to boost supply and allow for local responses, including potential restrictions on short-term rentals.India's Trade Shifts: UK Gains, EU Hurdles
02:05|Indias trade dynamics are evolving, with the UK securing a free trade agreement advantage, benefiting Indias textile industry. However, EU negotiations face hurdles due to demands for agriculture sector access and carbon tax, along with protectionist measures. Despite challenges, potential concessions from the EU and Indias need for foreign investment could pave the way for a stronger trade relationship.Russia Bans Deutsche Welle, Threatens Press Freedom
01:51|Russias Justice Ministry adds Deutsche Welle to undesirable organizations list, drawing criticism for press freedom restrictions. Despite challenges, Deutsche Welles Russian-language service reaches millions, with Director General vowing to continue operations.EU Countries Push for Stricter Migration Policy
02:20|Nineteen EU countries urge stricter migration policies, advocating for a more comprehensive EU strategy on the external dimension of migration. They emphasize the need for increased cooperation with non-EU nations and the use of innovative solutions, such as return hubs, to prevent migrants from reaching the EU. The ministers also call for clearer funding pathways and expanded roles for EU agencies like Frontex. This issue is expected to be a major topic at an upcoming EU summit.