EU Faces Backlash Over Attendance at Trump’s Board of Peace Meeting
UN Special Rapporteur for the Palestinian territories Francesca Albanese addressed calls for her resignation, stating she would not step down and highlighted her reports on state support for Israel. French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot publicly condemned the European Commission’s decision to attend a Board of Peace meeting in Washington, asserting it lacked mandate from the Council of the EU.
Barrot emphasised that the Commission should respect European law, while Slovenia’s Foreign Minister Tanja Fajon echoed concerns regarding the Commission’s authority over EU foreign policy. Albanese claimed the accusations against her were attempts to divert attention from her findings on state complicity in supporting Israel.
Despite the backlash, a Commission spokesperson defended the decision, arguing Europe’s need to be involved in Gaza’s future recovery. The EU remains divided on this issue, with further meetings anticipated to discuss the implications, including proposed sanctions against Russia.
What we know so far
Newsletter: France lashes out at Commissioner Šuica’s Board of Peace meeting
Francesca Albanese, UN Special Rapporteur for the Palestinian territories, responded to resignation calls on a morning show, asserting she has the full support of the UN Human Rights Council. Albanese called the accusations from French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot “ludicrous,” and described them as a “gimmick” aimed at overshadowing her critical reports on state support for Israel.
Barrot denounced the European Commission’s decision to send Commissioner Dubravka Šuica to the Board of Peace meeting in Washington, stating it lacked a proper mandate from the Council of the EU. Slovenia’s Foreign Minister Tanja Fajon also criticised the Commission for assuming authority over EU foreign policy decisions.
Albanese defended her position, insisting discussions should focus on her reports, which detail the involvement of countries including France in supporting Israel. Meanwhile, both Berlin and Paris have openly demanded her resignation over claims she likened Israel to a “common enemy.”
The Commission maintained that attending the meeting was essential for Europe’s role in Gaza’s recovery efforts. This stance has led to significant tensions within EU member states, with concerns raised about the legitimacy of the Commission’s involvement in the Board of Peace.
Further complications arose as a non-paper drafted by the EU’s diplomatic arm outlined legal issues linked to the Board’s charter. As this controversy continues, EU ambassadors are slated to meet later today to address the ongoing sanctions against Russia.