Geopolitical Hand-Off: France Pushes Belgium (Euroclear Host) to Seize Russian Assets While Protecting Its Own €18 Billion Holding

According to the Financial Times , France is advocating for the use of frozen Russian assets to fund Ukraine, yet is simultaneously demonstrating a reluctance to contribute its own holdings, instead of pressing Belgium to take the lead. French banks currently hold €18 billion in Russian assets, making it the second-largest holder. However, the far larger prize is held by the Belgian-based clearinghouse, Euroclear , which holds approximately €185 billion . Belgium has historically resisted proposals to unlock these funds, previously rejecting a €140 billion plan on the grounds that such a seizure is too legal and financially risky . #France #Belgium #RussianAssets #UkraineAid #Euroclea