Estonia supports confiscation of frozen Russian assets in Europe
Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna believes that Europe should confiscate Russian assets frozen on its territory, as there is a risk that they could be used against European countries.
Source: Margus Tsahkna in an interview with the Rheinische Post, as reported by European Pravda
Details: Tsahkna says that according to various estimates, Russian assets worth €240 billion are frozen in Europe.
"Every six months, we have to decide whether to extend the sanctions [on Russian assets - ed.]. And every time, we need Hungary's consent. If they block it in June, the sanctions will not only end but we will also be forced to give 240 billion euros to Putin," he explained.
"How will the heads of state and government explain to the citizens of Europe that they are giving Putin money that he intends to use not only against Ukraine but also against us? Therefore, we must confiscate these assets," the Estonian Foreign Minister added.
Tsahkna stressed that there is a legal way to confiscate Russian assets, but it is necessary to provide support to Belgium, where most of these assets are located.
"We also have to ensure that even if there is no unanimous decision [in the EU - ed.], the money is not transferred [to Russia - ed.]. We cannot ask for money from our taxpayers to support Ukraine, but not from Russia, which is the aggressor," the Estonian minister said.
Background:
- In March, Hungary threatened to block the EU Council's decision to freeze Russian assets in the EU.
- In the end, the EU sanctions were extended, and at Budapest's insistence, several Russian oligarchs were removed from the sanctions list.
- Earlier, the Financial Times wrote that the EU is losing patience with Hungary, which constantly blocks key EU decisions and wants to deprive it of its voting rights.
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