European allies distance themselves from Trump’s Gaza Peace Board over Putin and entry fees

European nations are maintaining a strategic distance from the “Gaza Peace Board” established by Donald Trump, exhibiting significant hesitation regarding participation in the initiative.

Since its inception, Trump has framed the “Peace Board” as an indispensable component of post-conflict governance in Gaza. Initially, this branding sparked a competitive rush to secure a seat at the table. However, according to reports from POLITICO, as the operational details of the board have come into focus, they have triggered deep-seated concerns among key European allies who were expected to join.

Skeptics point out that the board’s charter lacks a direct reference to Gaza, instead granting a broad mandate to resolve global conflicts. This has led to fears that the body could effectively function as a “shadow United Nations,” undermining existing international structures.

The decision to invite Russian President Vladimir Putin has particularly unsettled Washington’s traditional allies across the continent. Furthermore, the requirement for countries seeking permanent membership to contribute a minimum of $1 billion has emerged as a formidable political obstacle.

For several European leaders, these conditions are perceived as prohibitive. Even those considered to have a friendly rapport with the White House, such as Giorgia Meloni and Karol Nawrocki, are approaching the proposal with skepticism.

The Peace Board proposals have been met with widespread anxiety, further widening the transatlantic rift already exacerbated by the US administration’s reported designs on Greenland.

According to reports in the Italian press, Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni is considering rejecting participation in the Gaza Peace Board despite her close ties with Trump. On Wednesday, she indicated that she requires more time to evaluate the matter thoroughly.

The Italian Prime Minister faces significant internal friction within her governing coalition. High-ranking figures within the center-right Forza Italia have urged Meloni to explicitly reject the US plan. Conversely, the right-wing Lega party has adopted a more favorable stance toward the initiative.

Adding a layer of complexity for Meloni is the concern that joining a new supranational body of this nature could potentially violate the Italian constitution.

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who until recently had been cautious about criticizing Trump directly, also appears cool toward the idea. During a speech in the House of Commons, Starmer directed his sharpest criticism yet at Trump, stating he would “not compromise” on the issue of Greenland. While those remarks addressed a separate dispute, they signaled a new hardening of the British position.

A spokesperson for Starmer noted that the UK is “still examining the terms” and expressed “concern” over the inclusion of Putin and Lukashenko.

According to British officials, Home Secretary Yvette Cooper remains skeptical of Trump’s plan. During meetings in Davos, she has focused her efforts on discussing “global cooperation” and the specific role of Palestinians in any future settlement.

French President Emmanuel Macron has issued a definitive rejection of the proposal. His office stated that the board’s charter “exceeds the framework of Gaza” and raises “serious questions” regarding the potential weakening of the UN.

The Netherlands has also declined to participate. Meanwhile, a Danish diplomat, speaking to POLITICO on the condition of anonymity to discuss sensitive matters, stated that Copenhagen had not even received an invitation.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who is currently weighing his country’s involvement, expressed doubt on Tuesday. “It is very difficult to imagine us and Russia sitting on the same board,” Zelenskyy remarked.

The potential role of Putin also caught Polish President Karol Nawrocki, a Trump ally, off guard. “If I were sitting at the same table as Vladimir Putin, I would have no trouble telling him exactly what I think,” Nawrocki said.

Nevertheless, Nawrocki has yet to reach a formal decision. Lawmakers from the Law and Justice (PiS) party, who maintain close ties with him, argue that having a seat at the table is better than being absent, asserting that the UN has become an obsolete institution. Following a meeting with Trump on Wednesday, Nawrocki clarified that he must obtain approval from both his government and parliament before committing.

Germany has welcomed the invitation in principle but remains undecided. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen is still evaluating her options regarding the matter, which is expected to be a topic of discussion at Thursday’s European Council summit.

The White House confirmed that Trump will “put the Peace Board front and center” today, January 22, in Davos, claiming that 35 out of approximately 50 invitations have been accepted.

To date, countries that have agreed to join the board include Belarus, Hungary, Kazakhstan, and Vietnam. On Wednesday, Jordan, Türkiye, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Indonesia announced their participation, joining Egypt, Pakistan, and the United Arab Emirates.

Albania was added to the list on Wednesday following a government decision to participate. This follows recent discussions between Prime Minister Edi Rama and Jared Kushner regarding a multi-billion-dollar luxury resort investment on a primary Albanian island.