Germany's Merz postpones Norway trip for crisis talks on Russian frozen assets

A government spokesman said Merz will attend a dinner meeting with De Wever and EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, without providing further details.

The last-minute change came as Germany seeks to secure Belgium's support for an EU plan to use frozen Russian assets to support Ukraine.

Merz first proposed the plan in September, and EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen detailed it at a press conference on Wednesday. The plan aims to increase pressure on Russia and create funding for military aid to Ukraine.

Under the proposal, the European Commission would create a reparations loan, using the cash balances from immobilized Russian assets in the EU. Kyiv would be required to repay the loan only once Russia pays war reparations.

Von der Leyen emphasized that the package includes extensive safeguards to protect EU countries and financial institutions from possible Russian retaliation or unlawful enforcement actions in third countries.

"A solidarity mechanism would allow the EU to collectively absorb any residual risks," von der Leyen said, an assurance aimed especially at Belgium, home to Euroclear, the main holder of Russian assets frozen in the EU.

However, Belgium has raised concerns about the plan, fearing it may face legal challenges and bear financial liability alone. The Belgian government has insisted that all EU member states must share both the financial and legal risks.

On Wednesday, Belgian Foreign Minister Maxime Prevot expressed frustration with the EU proposal. "We have the frustrating feeling of not being heard. Our concerns are being downplayed. The text the European Commission will table today does not address our concerns satisfactorily," Prevot told reporters.