In a surprising turn of events, Friedrich Merz has abruptly canceled his scheduled trip to Norway, opting instead for a crucial visit to Brussels. The objective of this visit is to secure a decisive breakthrough regarding the €165 billion of frozen Russian assets, which has become a pressing issue for the European Union.
Urgent negotiations ahead of EU summit
The stakes are high as Merz is set to meet with Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen to hammer out an agreement that could not only convince Belgium of the need for action but also restore credibility to the EU itself. The urgency of this endeavor is underscored by the looming EU summit scheduled for December 18. Without a successful resolution before this date, the potential for a significant financial gap for Ukraine could emerge, alongside a historic embarrassment for the EU.
Growing skepticism towards the US
Amid these developments, skepticism about the United States’ influence over Ukraine’s future is growing in European capitals. A confidential call involving Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, Merz, French President Emmanuel Macron, and several other European leaders highlighted the deep-seated concerns that Washington and Moscow might be negotiating the future of Ukraine without European input.
“The situation requires immediate and effective diplomacy,” stated a source familiar with the discussions.
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