MNI BRIEF: Round-The-Clock EU Talks To Finalise Ukraine Loan

"Round-the-clock talks" are taking place between the European Commission and EU states to agree the proposed reparations loan for Ukraine, according to EU officials attending Monday's G7 finance ministers' virtual meeting, with the EU looking to deliver a solid solution at the December 18-19 EU summit. 

The G7 meeting agreed to "work together to develop a wide range of financing options to support Ukraine, including potentially using the full value of the Russian soveriegn assets immobilised in our jurisdictions," officials said.  

Last Wednesday, the Commission proposed enhanced EU burden sharing and state guarantees to address the concerns particularly of Belgium regarding legal and financial risks posed by the reparation loan plan.  EC Chief Spokesperson Paula Pinho said earlier Monday that talks are "ongoing" in order to iron out any further such concerns ahead of next week's summit.