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 the funds it faced legal uncertainty and financial liability. This forced European heads of state and government to postpone a decision until at least December.

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 the funds it faced legal uncertainty and financial liability. This forced European heads of state and government to postpone a decision until at least December.

Some other countries and the European Central Bank sympathize with these arguments. Belgium does not entirely stand alone. Still, this looks like a lost battle. European officials are committed to drafting a compromise proposal. Many diplomats and officials think that sooner rather than later, a deal will be clinched on this delicate matter. Why? Because Europe desperately needs money for Ukraine.