Berlin – During their meeting in Berlin, Slovenian Prime Minister Robert Golob and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz underscored the significance of frozen Russian assets as a means to help resolve the conflict in Ukraine. They acknowledged Belgium’s concerns regarding this issue and expressed a desire for a decision to be reached within the EU. Golob also backed Germany’s initiative to relax the regulations on the sale of new internal combustion engine vehicles.
“We concurred that an imbalanced peace plan will not lead to lasting peace. (…) Matters concerning NATO and Europe necessitate our agreement,” Merz stated at a joint press conference with Golob.
The utilization of frozen Russian assets was identified by the leaders as a potential method to intensify pressure on Russia and facilitate an end to the war in Ukraine.
“We need to advance here so we can leverage this to bring Moscow to negotiations,” Merz added, noting that this issue pertains to Europe’s security. He expressed hope for reaching a unified EU solution regarding the use of frozen assets to support Ukraine further.
“I understand Belgium’s concerns (…), but we also possess strong arguments to achieve our shared goal of applying maximum pressure on Russia to conclude this war,” the German Chancellor remarked.
Golob affirmed that Slovenia recognizes Belgium’s position and expectations for guarantees should these assets be utilized. “Nonetheless, it is true that frozen assets represent the most potent tool Europe has at its disposal and should be directed towards a singular aim: achieving peace in Ukraine,” he emphasized.
This was Golob’s first visit to Germany since Merz assumed the Chancellorship, during which he also endorsed the German request to the European Commission to modify the regulation established in 2023, which will prohibit the sale of new internal combustion engine vehicles starting in 2035. (November 28)
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