European Union & Bart De Wever

European Union: The European Union is facing a significant trade deficit with China, fueled by state-subsidized products and China's control over critical minerals and chips. The bloc is exploring new trade tools and potential tariffs to protect its domestic industries from the influx of cheap Chinese goods.

Bart De Wever: Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever warned that European firms compete against Chinese rivals backed by state support on a scale no market economy can match, advocating for a tougher stance.

European Union: The European Union is pushing to use Russia's frozen assets, held by Euroclear, as collateral for a loan to Ukraine. This initiative is the direct cause of the lawsuit filed by the Iraq — Central Bank of Iraq and has led to concerns about legal and financial risks, as well as potential undermining of confidence in the euro currency.

Bart De Wever: Bart De Wever, Belgian Prime Minister, has cautioned that using frozen Russian assets would likely trigger prolonged litigation with Russia and has refused to approve the plan, citing fears of Russian retaliation against Belgium's interests.

Bart De Wever: Bart De Wever, Prime Minister of Belgium, criticized the plan as 'a complete illusion'.

Bart De Wever: Bart De Wever, the Prime Minister of Belgium, expressed relief that the plan to use frozen Russian assets was set aside, calling it too risky and complex.