Major European Allies Decline to Join Board of Peace

Although leaders from multiple countries are set to travel to Washington on February 19 (U.S. Eastern Time) to attend the inaugural meeting of President Trump’s Peace Committee, dozens of European leaders have declined the invitation, criticizing the organization for unclear funding sources and potential political motives.

Those refusing to attend include European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, as well as key U.S. allies the United Kingdom, Germany, and France. All have stated they will not join the Peace Committee. The Vatican’s top diplomat, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, remarked: “One concern is that at the international level, such crisis situations should be primarily managed by the United Nations — this has always been our position.”

Delegations attending the meeting are mainly from Middle Eastern countries, including Israel, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Jordan, and Qatar. Additional participants include countries not directly involved in the Gaza conflict, such as Argentina, Paraguay, Hungary, and Kazakhstan. Many observers view participation as an effort to curry favor with the Trump administration. The committee has reportedly proposed offering permanent membership in exchange for a $1 billion donation, positioning the initiative as one of Trump’s latest signature projects.