TL:DR – European Commissioner Dubravka Šuica to Attend US Board of Peace Meeting This Week
• European Commissioner for the Mediterranean, Dubravka Šuica, will visit Washington this week for the first formal gathering of the Board of Peace, according to Euronews.
• Šuica’s participation will focus on Gaza, reflecting the EU’s commitment to ceasefire support and reconstruction efforts.
• EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas is coordinating EU government engagements with the Board of Peace.
• Italy, Romania, Greece, and Cyprus accepted invitations to participate as observers in the Board.
• The EU has donated €1.65 billion in humanitarian aid since the conflict began on 7 October 2023.
Commissioner Šuica to represent EU at Trump’s Board of Peace meeting in Washington
The European Commissioner for the Mediterranean, Dubravka Šuica, is scheduled to travel to Washington later this week to attend the first formal gathering of US President Donald Trump’s Board of Peace. This move indicates that Brussels is not fully dismissing cooperation with the board, despite widespread rejection from most EU member states regarding formal membership and legal concerns raised by the European Commission.
Šuica will participate specifically in the portion of the meeting that focuses on Gaza, as stated by a European Commission spokesperson. This participation aligns with the EU’s longstanding commitment to supporting a ceasefire and international efforts in the reconstruction and recovery of Gaza.
Commission’s Cautious Engagement with the Board
Another spokesperson from the European Commission clarified that Šuica’s participation does not equate to joining as an official sitting member. The EU’s foreign policy chief, Kaja Kallas, is reportedly in contact with EU governments to coordinate their engagements with the Board.
Italy, Romania, Greece, and Cyprus have accepted invitations to participate as observers, while foreign affairs ministers will discuss the matter during their upcoming gathering in Brussels next week.
Concerns Over Board’s Mandate and Structure
The Board of Peace, inaugurated by Trump in Davos in January, was initially established to oversee Gaza’s post-war transition. However, its charter raises significant concerns, particularly regarding Trump serving as chairman indefinitely, with additional apprehension about the inclusion of Russian President Vladimir Putin amid ongoing conflicts in Ukraine.
While only Hungary and Bulgaria have accepted invitations for formal membership, the move showcases how some EU member states aim to maintain a positive relationship with the Trump administration by setting aside legal concerns in pursuit of influence.
Upcoming Meetings and Representation
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has suggested that observer status presents a viable solution, following an invitation from Trump. Romania’s President Nicușor Dan has confirmed his travel to Washington for the discussions. The situation remains fluid, with representation for Italy yet to be determined.
With the EU being the largest humanitarian aid donor to the Palestinian territories since the recent outbreak of hostilities, the bloc is eager to ensure its role in Gaza’s reconstruction, despite apprehensions about the Board’s governance and overall scope.
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