Σάββατο 29 Αυγούστου 2026
5 άρθρα
Belgium Won’t Risk Euroclear’s €193 Billion
Euroclear holds nearly all the EU’s frozen Russian sovereign assets, leaving Belgium first in line for lawsuits and retaliation if Europe taps the principal for Ukraine. Brussels will reconsider only when every member state provides binding, uncapped guarantees—a commitment supporters of the plan endorse in principle but have yet to put into law.
Portugal closes plan with €4.6bn unpaid
Lisbon says every EU milestone was met before the 31 August deadline, putting its final €4.7 billion tranche within reach. Yet payments to beneficiaries will continue into 2027, unfinished projects have shifted onto domestic budgets, and hospitals, metro works and desalination infrastructure still need alternative financing after being removed or resized.
Romania risks €100 million to keep coal
Bucharest will run three lignite units beyond the EU recovery plan’s 31 August deadline, potentially turning a payment suspension into a permanent loss. The government says replacement power is not ready; Brussels must now decide whether Romania’s unilateral retreat from agreed closures will cost the country up to €100 million—and set a precedent for other coal-dependent states.
Slovalco restarts on Slovakia’s open-ended power support
The aluminium smelter is reviving 75,000 tonnes of annual capacity after securing state hydropower and expanded carbon-cost relief. At least €100 million will be invested and more than 200 jobs retained, but another 100,000 tonnes remains conditional on new electricity contracts and government guarantees extending beyond 2030.
Bulgaria’s €489 Million Defence Cash Awaits Contracts
Sofia has drawn the first 15% of a €3.26 billion EU defence loan, but the money is pre-financing rather than proof of new weapons. Only one of nine planned procurement lines has a publicly traceable signed contract, leaving Bulgaria to convert cheap, long-term borrowing into eligible European orders, delivery schedules and equipment its armed forces can actually field.