Economics Is Europe’s Tool for Everything

Why the bloc always seeks economic solutions to its political problems.

A detailed view of mechanics tool box during Round One of the Nitro Rally Cross at Lydden Hill Race Circuit on June 19, 2022 in Canterbury, England. October 31, 2025, 1:42 AM Comment icon View Comments ( )

Belgium does not often find itself in a position of resisting European legislation, whatever the subject. But that’s exactly what it’s doing now.

Last week at a European Union summit, Belgium fought a plan supported by a majority of member states to use 140 billion euros in frozen Russian assets—held at Euroclear in Brussels—as the basis for a reparation loan for Ukraine. To the frustration of many, Belgium held out, on the grounds that as the host country of

See Full Page