The European Union will be represented at the first formal meeting of US President Donald Trump’s Board of Peace later this week, with European Commissioner for the Mediterranean, Dubravka Šuica, set to travel to Washington, sources confirmed.
Šuica’s attendance signals that Brussels is willing to engage selectively with the Trump-chaired board, despite widespread concerns over its charter and governance.
A European Commission spokesperson clarified that she will participate only in the segment “dedicated to Gaza,” emphasizing that the EU is not joining as an official board member.
Her participation reflects the EU’s long-standing commitment to supporting the ceasefire and post-war reconstruction in the territory.
EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas is reportedly coordinating with member states on engagement strategies. Italy, Romania, Greece, and Cyprus have accepted invitations to attend as observers, while Hungary and Bulgaria have agreed to sit as members. Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, a close ally of Trump, will attend in person.
The Board of Peace, launched by Trump in Davos in January, was initially intended to oversee Gaza’s reconstruction but has since expanded its mandate to global peace initiatives. European capitals have voiced concerns about the board’s indefinite leadership under Trump, the inclusion of Russian President Vladimir Putin, and its compatibility with the UN Charter.
Despite these concerns, the EU remains a major donor to the Palestinian territories, having contributed €1.65 billion since the outbreak of conflict between Israel and Hamas in October 2023. Brussels’ selective engagement reflects a desire to remain influential in Gaza’s recovery, even amid political and legal reservations.
Documents reviewed by investigative outlet Follow the Money indicate that the Tony Blair Institute lobbied for the EU’s involvement in the board. Former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair, alongside Trump envoys Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff, serves on the Board’s executive panel.
EU foreign ministers are expected to discuss the board at their upcoming Brussels meeting, with Bulgarian diplomat Nickolay Mladenov attending as Trump’s High Representative for Gaza to liaise with a Palestinian technocratic committee managing day-to-day operations.
