The European Union will attend the first meeting of Trump’s ‘Board of Peace’ but will not become a member, focusing solely on Gaza discussions.
BRUSSELS: The European Union will participate in the inaugural meeting of US President Donald Trump’s ‘Board of Peace’ this week but will not join as a member.
EU spokesman Guillaume Mercier made the clarification on Monday.
European Commissioner for the Mediterranean Dubravka Suica will represent the bloc at the Washington meeting on Thursday.
“She will participate in the meeting of the Board of Peace for the specific part dedicated to Gaza,” Mercier said.
He stressed that the European Commission is “not becoming a member to the Board of Peace.”
The EU executive is participating due to its “long-standing commitment” to implementing the Gaza ceasefire.
Mercier said the aim is “to support the reconstruction and the post-recovery in Gaza.”
Initially designed to oversee the Gaza truce and reconstruction after the Hamas-Israel war, the board’s purpose has expanded.
It now aims to resolve various international conflicts, raising concerns it could rival the United Nations.
Some EU member states have expressed reservations about the initiative.
“We still have a number of questions regarding several elements in the Board of Peace,” said EU spokesman Anouar El Anouni.
He cited concerns about “its scope,” “its governance,” and “its compatibility with the UN Charter.” Trump serves as chairman of the board.
