Euroclear, a little-known but central player in Europe's financial system, holds €193 billion in frozen Russian assets that, since the invasion of Ukraine, have drawn intense scrutiny. Its director general, Valérie Urbain, warns that confiscation – illegal under international law – would weaken Europe's position.
Ukraine is part of Europe.
That aside, Russia is violating not only human rights and the rule of law with its illegal invasion, it has also broken some 400 treaties since the invasion began in 2014 (that’s basically all treaties the Kremlin has signed).
More importantly, though, Putin has been signing several decrees since 2022 allowing the seizure of Western assets, entangling firms ranging from Germany’s Uniper to Danish brewer Carlsberg.
And Europe is not an “Empire.” Protecting Ukraine means protecting Europe as Russia will not stop here but rather aiming to attack the next country.
That’s a rhetoric of spheres of influence and I don’t want EU to go there. It’s in our best interest to help out Ukraine so that we’re not flooded with millions more of refugees and because independent Ukraine is better for trade. Given the current political climate it’s best to stick to cold business facts rather than ideals - it’s easier to sell to general public.
Euroclear is not responsible for that.