Belgian FM Calls for 'Coalition of Billing' as EU Counters Trump Plan

As geopolitical tensions escalate over Ukraine's future, Belgian Foreign Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Maxime Prévot has issued a stark call for European unity, declaring that the continent needs "a coalition of the billing, not just of the willing" in response to evolving US-Russia dynamics.

Trump's 28-Point Plan Catches EU Off Guard

The European Union found itself in reactive mode following US President Donald Trump's unexpected unveiling of a comprehensive 28-point peace plan for Ukraine on November 21. The proposal, viewed by both Brussels and Kyiv as heavily tilted toward Russian interests, has forced the EU to hastily formulate a counter-proposal, highlighting the bloc's struggle to maintain strategic initiative in the conflict.

This development comes months after an apparent US-Russian rapprochement in Alaska last August, which sent shockwaves through Ukrainian and European diplomatic circles. The August meeting had already raised concerns about potential shifts in American foreign policy priorities, fears that now appear to be materializing.

Belgium's Strategic Position in Financial Warfare

Belgium's voice carries particular weight in this debate due to its control over the majority of frozen Russian assets through the Euroclear depository system. This positions the country as a crucial player in any financial strategy aimed at supporting Ukraine or pressuring Russia through economic means.

Prévot's emphasis on a "coalition of the billing" underscores the reality that sustained support for Ukraine requires not just political solidarity but substantial financial commitments from European partners. The phrase cleverly plays on former US Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld's famous "coalition of the willing," suggesting that good intentions alone are insufficient without corresponding financial backing.

EU's Reactive Posture Raises Strategic Concerns

The European Union's apparent reactive stance to recent developments highlights broader concerns about the bloc's ability to shape rather than simply respond to major geopolitical events. Critics argue that Europe's delayed response to Trump's peace plan demonstrates a lack of proactive strategic planning and coordination among member states.

This reactive approach becomes particularly problematic when dealing with actors like Russia and the United States, both of whom have shown willingness to pursue unilateral diplomatic initiatives that can dramatically alter the conflict's trajectory.

Financial Leverage as Diplomatic Tool

Belgium's control over frozen Russian assets represents one of Europe's most potent leverage points in ongoing negotiations. The Euroclear system holds billions in Russian state and private assets, creating both opportunities and responsibilities for European policymakers.

The challenge lies in converting this financial leverage into meaningful diplomatic influence while maintaining transatlantic unity and supporting Ukrainian sovereignty. Prévot's comments suggest Belgium recognizes the need for a more coordinated European approach that goes beyond symbolic support to include substantial financial commitments and strategic use of economic tools.