NewKerala.com

EU Sends Commissioner to Trump's Peace Board Meeting Amid Gaza Focus

The European Union will be represented at the first meeting of former US President Donald Trump's Board of Peace, with Commissioner Dubravka Suica attending the segment dedicated to Gaza. The EU clarified it is not formally joining the Board, though several member states like Italy and Hungary are engaging at different levels. EU officials have expressed concerns over the Board's expanded mandate and governance structure. However, the bloc aims to retain influence in Gaza's reconstruction and avoid exclusion from US-led diplomatic efforts.

Key Points: EU Attends Trump's Peace Board Meeting on Gaza

  • EU attends but not formal member
  • Focus solely on Gaza segment
  • Some EU states join as observers/members
  • Board's scope raises EU concerns
  • EU seeks role in Gaza reconstruction
2 min read

EU to send Commissioner Suica to Trump's Board of Peace meeting in Washington

EU Commissioner Dubravka Suica to attend Gaza segment of Trump's Board of Peace meeting. EU not joining formally, some member states engage as observers or members.

"her attendance reflects the EU's 'long-standing commitment to supporting the ceasefire' - European Commission spokesperson"

Brussels, February 16

The European Union will be represented at the first formal meeting of US President Donald Trump's Board of Peace in Washington on Thursday, with the European Commissioner for the Mediterranean Dubravka Suica set to attend, according to Euronews.

A European Commission spokesperson said Suica will participate only in the segment of the meeting dedicated to Gaza, stressing that her attendance reflects the EU's "long-standing commitment to supporting the ceasefire" and international efforts aimed at reconstruction and post-war recovery in the territory.

The spokesperson clarified that the EU is not joining the Board as a formal member and that it remains unclear whether Brussels will take an observer status, Euronews reported.

Another Commision spokesperson said the bloc's foreign policy chief, Kaja Kallas, is coordinating with member states on their respective engagements with the initiative.

The Board of Peace, launched by Trump in Davos in January, was initially designed to oversee Gaza's post-war transition under a broader peace framework. However, its expanded mandate to promote "global peace" and elements of its charter, including provisions allowing Trump to serve indefinitely as chairman, have raised legal and political concerns in several EU capitals.

Despite those reservations, some member states have opted to engage. Italy, Romania, Greece and Cyprus have accepted invitations to participate as observers. Hungary and Bulgaria have agreed to sit as members, with Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban expected to attend the meeting in person.

Romanian President Nicusor Dan has confirmed he will travel to Washington for the talks, while Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni suggested observer status could offer a workable compromise after receiving an invitation from the US administration, Euronews reported.

EU officials have expressed concerns over the Board's scope, governance and compatibility with the UN Charter, but the bloc, a leading donor of humanitarian assistance to Palestinians since the outbreak of the Israel-Hamas war in October 2023, is keen to retain a role in Gaza's reconstruction and avoid being sidelined in US-led diplomatic efforts, Euronews reported.

- ANI

Share this article:

Reader Comments

P
Priya S
The provision for Trump to serve indefinitely as chairman is a major red flag 🚩. It turns a peace initiative into a personal platform. The EU is right to be cautious. India has always supported multilateral frameworks under the UN. This board seems to bypass that. Hope our diplomats are observing this closely.
A
Aman W
Hungary and Bulgaria joining as members is no surprise given their governments' leanings. The EU is clearly divided. For us in India, the key takeaway is the continued Western focus on Gaza while conflicts in our own region often get less global attention. Peace efforts should be balanced.
S
Sarah B
The EU is the leading donor for Palestinian aid, so they have a legitimate stake. But attending just part of the meeting sends a confused signal. Either engage properly or don't. This half-in, half-out approach might weaken their influence. Reconstruction needs clear leadership, not ambiguity.
V
Vikram M
Ultimately, any effort that brings aid and stability to Gaza is welcome. The people there are suffering. If this board can actually coordinate reconstruction, then the procedural debates in Brussels are secondary. Hope it leads to tangible help on the ground. 🙏

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50