A scheduled visit by German Chancellor Friedrich Merz to Oslo has been abruptly cancelled, replaced by a late-night journey to Belgium for a private dinner with Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. The shift, announced Thursday by a government spokesperson, fuels speculation surrounding a deepening impasse over the proposed use of frozen Russian central bank assets to aid Ukraine.
The abrupt change in itinerary highlights the complexities and political sensitivities surrounding the contentious proposal. While official details regarding the planned discussions remain undisclosed, informed sources suggest the primary focus will be the contentious issue of leveraging the billions of euros held in Belgian accounts – a significant portion of the globally frozen Russian assets.
Belgium has, to date, resisted pressure to release the funds, citing concerns about potential legal challenges and considerable financial risks associated with such a move. This stance contrasts sharply with the position held by both Chancellor Merz and Commission President von der Leyen, who are advocating for the plan’s swift implementation to bolster Ukraine’s war effort.
The unexpected alteration of the chancellor’s travel plans points to increased urgency within Brussels and Berlin to break the deadlock. The private nature of the evening meeting also signals a desire to circumvent public scrutiny and potentially navigate a delicate political consensus, underscoring the fragile nature of the negotiations. Critics argue that Belgium’s hesitancy is prolonging Ukraine’s suffering and risks undermining European unity in the face of Russian aggression, while supporters maintain that a cautious and legally sound approach is essential to avoid long-term repercussions for Belgium and the wider EU. The dinner meeting represents a pivotal moment in the effort to secure the funds, raising questions about whether a compromise can be reached and the future of European support for Ukraine.