Friedrich Merz just walked out of a parliamentary showdown with his leadership intact. The German Chancellor didn't waste a minute—he's already wheels-up to Brussels.

What's the mission? Convincing Belgium to back his plan for handling frozen Russian assets. Fresh off deflecting a no-confidence challenge at home, Merz is now taking his pitch international. The timing's tight, and Belgium's position matters.

This isn't just diplomatic theater. How Europe handles these assets could reshape financial policy frameworks that touch everything from traditional banking to decentralized finance. Merz needs Belgium on board to move forward, and he's making the ask in person.

The clock's ticking. With domestic critics quieted for now, the real test is whether he can line up European allies before opposition regroups back in Berlin.