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Berlin – Slovenian Prime Minister Robert Golob and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz emphasized the importance of frozen Russian assets as a lever to end the war in Ukraine during their meeting in Berlin. They stated that they understand Belgium’s concerns regarding this matter and wish for a decision to be made within the EU. Golob also supported Germany’s efforts to ease the rules on the ban of selling new internal combustion engine vehicles.
“We agreed that an unbalanced peace plan will not bring long-term peace. (…) Everything concerning NATO and Europe also requires our consent,” Merz said at a joint press conference with Golob.
This also applies to the use of frozen Russian assets, which the leaders highlighted as one of the possible ways to increase pressure on Russia and end the war in Ukraine.
“We need to take a step forward here so that we can have leverage to bring Moscow to the negotiating table,” Merz continued, adding that this issue concerns the security of Europe. Therefore, he hopes to find a common solution within the EU regarding the use of frozen assets to finance further support for Ukraine.
“I understand the concerns (of Belgium) (…), but we also have good arguments to achieve a common goal of exerting as much pressure as possible on Russia to end this war,” the German Chancellor added.
Golob also emphasized that Slovenia understands Belgium’s position and its expectations for guarantees in the event that these assets are used. “On the other hand, it is true that frozen assets are the strongest tool that Europe has in its hands and should be used for one single purpose: to achieve peace in Ukraine,” he stressed.
Golob, who was on his first visit to Germany since Merz took office as Chancellor, also supported the German call to the European Commission to ease the regulation adopted in 2023, which will ban the sale of new internal combustion engine vehicles starting in 2035. (November 28)