Trump Launches New “Board of Peace” Amid European Skepticism

President Donald Trump introduced his newly formed “Board of Peace” at the World Economic Forum in Davos on January 22, 2026. The launch, however, was overshadowed by the notable absence of several key European allies, raising questions about the initiative’s viability. While a number of regional powers joined the board, many traditional U.S. partners, particularly in Europe, opted not to participate at this stage.

France was among the first to reject the proposal outright. French officials stated that the board’s charter “goes beyond the framework of Gaza and raises serious questions” regarding the principles and structure of the United Nations. This sentiment was echoed by other nations, which expressed a need for further evaluation before committing to the initiative.

Originally proposed as part of Trump’s 20-point peace plan for Gaza, the Board of Peace has since been positioned as a broader global entity. This shift has sparked skepticism among Western powers concerned about creating an alternative to the UN. Notably, the peace framework that includes the board was approved by the UN Security Council in November 2025.

At the signing ceremony, Trump asserted, “Once this board is completely formed, we can do pretty much whatever we want to do. And we’ll do it in conjunction with the United Nations.” He emphasized the UN’s potential, claiming it has not fully utilized its capabilities.

Trump’s remarks were made alongside political allies, including Argentine President Javier Milei and Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, as well as representatives from several nations such as Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Egypt, and others. Although Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed his intention to be part of the initiative, he was absent from the ceremony.

The proposed terms for permanent members suggest a contribution of $1 billion each, with Trump assuming the role of inaugural chairman. Notably, none of the other permanent members of the UN Security Council—namely the United Kingdom, France, China, or Russia—have committed to joining the board. The UK, through Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper, indicated it would not participate “at present,” citing concerns over the legal implications and the potential inclusion of Vladimir Putin as part of a peace initiative, particularly given the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.

Germany, Canada, Spain, and the Netherlands also refrained from joining, while nations such as Sweden, Slovenia, and Norway declined invitations. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, typically viewed as supportive of Trump, indicated that Italy requires more time to consider the proposal.

As the Board of Peace moves forward, the reactions from European leaders highlight a significant divide in international relations and the complexities of establishing a new framework for global governance. With the initiative still in its early stages, the future of the board remains uncertain, particularly in light of the hesitance from major European powers.