Deputies will discuss the potential confiscation of frozen Russian assets to support Ukraine amid rising geopolitical tensions. The proposal calls for enhanced backing from the EU and NATO and addresses contentious issues like Ukraine’s EU membership and the cessation of Russian gas imports. While some advocate for using these assets to strengthen Europe’s defense, the government’s stance is against outright seizure, citing financial stability concerns. Opposition exists from parties like the National Rally, which seeks to limit asset usage for national interests only.
The pressing question of whether to advocate for the confiscation of frozen Russian assets for specific purposes will be addressed by deputies this Wednesday. This discussion is part of a resolution proposal aimed at enhancing support for Ukraine amidst ongoing geopolitical tensions.
The deliberation of this proposal, which will culminate in a vote later in the afternoon, comes at a pivotal moment marked by escalating peace talks. Recently, Ukraine has consented to a U.S.-backed initiative for a 30-day ceasefire with Russia, adding urgency to the discussions.
Following an initial debate last week which did not result in a vote, this session presents a crucial opportunity for deputies to express their positions on this matter.
The resolution calls upon the European Union (EU), NATO, and allied nations to “persist and enhance their political, economic, and military backing for Ukraine” in light of ongoing “Russian aggression.”
Several contentious points within the proposal are likely to ignite debate, including Ukraine’s EU membership aspirations, the potential deployment of French troops in Ukraine contingent upon a peace agreement, and the ongoing importation of Russian gas by EU countries, which the resolution seeks to “terminate.”
The topic of Russian assets has emerged as a focal point, with increasing calls across Europe for their seizure.
In its current iteration, the text “encourages” the EU to “promptly utilize frozen and immobilized Russian assets to bolster Ukrainian resistance and aid in Ukraine’s reconstruction.”
An amendment co-signed by three deputies from the Macronist group Together for the Republic (EPR), including its president Gabriel Attal, proposes an even broader use of these assets to “enhance Europe’s defense capabilities.”
This position contrasts with the government’s official stance, which opposes the actual seizure of these assets (valued at approximately 235 billion euros), aside from the interest accrued, which is already being directed to support Kyiv.
Finance Minister Eric Lombard has cautioned that such confiscation could jeopardize Europe’s financial stability.
“For now, the answer is no. However, the President and Prime Minister have tasked Eric Lombard with thoroughly examining the implications of such a decision,” government spokesperson Sophie Primas noted on Sud Radio.
Opposition from the RN
Gaining a majority in the chamber on this issue may prove challenging, particularly depending on the stance of EPR deputies.
In response to claims that asset seizure would violate international law, rapporteur Laurent Mazaury, an independent deputy from the Liot group, argued that “we now possess legal arguments supporting our position, rooted in customary law.” He emphasized that “countermeasures,” including the use of assets, “must be directly linked to the conflict they aim to address.”
“The Russians hold substantial assets within our borders, so we must tread carefully,” cautioned MoDem deputy Erwan Balanant, who stands against the measure.
Despite support from socialists, ecologists, and Horizons, the seizure of Russian assets is not favored by La France insoumise (LFI) or the National Rally (RN). The RN has even proposed an amendment to restrict the use of these funds solely for national interests.
Marine Le Pen has expressed her intention to vote against the resolution proposal due to a clause encouraging the EU to “facilitate Ukraine’s accession process.”
Le Pen downplayed the Russian threat on Tuesday, accusing Emmanuel Macron of manipulating public fears.
In response, Marine Tondelier remarked on France 2 on Wednesday, “It’s the pot calling the kettle black, as the one who specializes in playing with the fears of the French is still her.”
While LFI has not announced an official voting stance on the proposal, it has submitted an amendment aimed at excising the clause regarding EU accession, along with another that seeks to significantly revise the resolution.