“Historical tragedy”. Der Spiegel: The EU stands by while the US and Russia decide on Ukraine

Europeans are failing, but they can still show that they can co-decide on the fate of their own continent, writes “Der Spiegel”, assessing the discussions surrounding frozen Russian assets. But he warns that “there isn't much time left.”

“The US and Russia are negotiating the fate of Ukraine. And the European Union? It is standing on the sidelinesparalyzing itself. Europeans may still regret this bitterly,” says “Der Spiegel”.

The weekly calls the development of the situation around Ukraine a “historical tragedy.”

He estimates that for Americans, “security issues in Ukraine and Europe play a secondary role”.

“The actions of the European Union look even more absurd. Instead of strengthening Ukraine in negotiations – also to protect your own security interests – Europeans have been arguing for months over what to do with frozen Russian state assets. – notes “Der Spiegel”.

According to the European Commission's plans, EUR 140 billion of these frozen assets would go to Ukraine. According to estimates quoted by Der Spiegel, this would allow the country to survive Russian aggression for another two years. “It would show the Kremlin that it cannot count on Ukraine's economic exhaustion. Putin would have to consider whether ending the war is not also in his interest.” – argues the weekly.

So far, however, Europeans have been unable to agree on such action. “Member States are shifting the blame onto each other. One of the blockers is Belgium, where the Euroclear clearing company is located. This is where most of the frozen money is kept.” – notes “Der Spiegel”.

“The European Commission and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz believe they have found a creative, legal way to use this money.” – continues the weekly. It involves paying Ukraine funds as a loan, which would be repaid in the future from Russian reparations. Although many consider this model to be legal, the Belgian government expresses concerns.

“In the unlikely event that Moscow wins in court and Belgium has to return these funds, the government in Brussels is demanding guarantees from other EU countries. And some of them do not agree to it,” reports “Der Spiegel.”

The weekly criticizes Merz, who “apparently did not find it necessary to ask the Belgians if they agreed with his idea”. “This is a typical pattern of the chancellor's European policy: he wants to lead in the EU, but when he steps ahead, others do not follow him,” he says.

According to the weekly, “the endless squabbling of Europeans does not reflect the gravity of the situation” and each side “is guided by particular interests, losing sight of the broader interests of Europe.”

“Complex decision-making processes are part of the DNA of the European Union. Often, the 27 member states finally manage to reach a compromise. This time, however, the situation is different. If the Russians and Americans reach an agreement, it will be too late. Europeans can still show that they can co-decide on the fate of their own continent. However, they do not have much time,” summarizes “Der Spiegel”.

From Berlin Mateusz Obremski (PAP)

mobr/ mal/