Merz echoed the sentiment in German media. “Belgium’s explicit concern concerning the query of easy methods to make use of frozen Russian belongings is plain and have to be addressed in any conceivable resolution in such a manner that each one European states bear the identical danger,” he mentioned.
De Wever supplied no remark and the leaders supplied no indication that any conclusive settlement had been reached with the Belgian premier.
The lion’s share of the belongings is beneath the stewardship of Brussels-based monetary depository, Euroclear. De Wever fears that Russia will retaliate towards Belgium at residence and overseas, and is demanding ironclad monetary ensures from EU capitals earlier than he even considers backing the Commission’s proposal.
The Commission has repeatedly downplayed Belgium’s perceived authorized dangers however will want De Wever’s help earlier than going forward with the plan. Diplomats have already begun scouring the Commission’s authorized textual content to appease the Belgians earlier than EU leaders collect for a summit in Brussels on Dec. 18.
A “plan B” to make use of joint debt to fund Ukraine additionally appears to be like to be a no-go after Budapest nixed the transfer at an ambassadors’ assembly on Friday.
Kyiv is about to expire of money for its warfare effort early subsequent yr.
