Belgian PM Faces Pressure as Germany's Merz Pushes for EU Plan on Seizing Russian Frozen Assets

Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever is set to meet with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz on Friday to discuss a contentious EU plan to use Russian frozen assets to support Ukraine. The European Commission has proposed a 'reparations loan' using Russian state assets frozen in the EU, but Belgium has raised concerns over potential Russian retaliation and financial claims. The Commission hopes to secure a firm commitment from member states at a summit on December 18. However, De Wever has insisted that he will not be swayed by pressure from neighboring countries, citing his responsibility to protect the interests of Belgian taxpayers. Merz has expressed support for the plan, but emphasized that the risks should be shared by all EU countries. He also warned that some parties in Washington may seek to use the frozen assets for economic gain, stressing that the funds must be used to support Ukraine. Britain, which holds £25 billion of frozen Russian assets, has joined the call for a coordinated plan to tap the assets and sustain Ukraine's defense. Russia has threatened to take legal action and seize assets from 'unfriendly states' if the plan is implemented. The meeting between De Wever and Merz is seen as a crucial test of the EU's ability to come together on the issue. The outcome will have significant implications for Ukraine's long-term prospects and the EU's relationship with Russia.