The fact that the Russians weren't joining the Monetary Union was a very good thing for most countries. It wasn't just Russia that feared the West; the West feared Russia, too.
Naturally, Austria was among them. If Russia joined the Monetary Union, Franz didn't think he could match its influence in the Balkans.
A common economic market was often the foundation of political unity. Once Russia joined the Monetary Union, it could bring the Ruble into the Danubian Principalities, followed by a more thorough Slavicization.
By then, driving out Russian influence would be all but impossible.
Franz couldn't cede both Danubian Principalities entirely. One reason was resources, another was ethnicity, but the most important was strategy.
Austria could do without Wallachia, but the Russians absolutely couldn't be allowed to occupy it. Belgrade was even more out of the question. If Russia occupied Belgrade, it would mean a fight to the death.
In short, when it came to the Monetary Union, the Russians had managed to isolate everyone.
The Suez Canal Company was a more complicated matter. Every side wanted to take the lead, but none of them was especially keen to pay.
Egypt had originally hoped to fish in troubled waters, but misjudged its own strength. After a series of maneuvers, it had succeeded in turning itself into a mere spectator.
In the end, the British were the first to lose patience. At Viscount Stratford's suggestion, the Suez Canal Company launched its second round of financing, inviting private investors to buy in.
Just as other countries began coordinating and discussing how much they should invest to keep the British from dominating the company, more than ten million Pounds Sterling in funds had already been secured.
Franz, however, didn't really mind. What he wanted most was for construction on the canal