European heavyweights Italy and Poland have turned down invitations to join Donald Trump’s ambitious ‘Board of Peace,’ dealing a blow to the initiative’s momentum. Warsaw and Rome clarified their stances Wednesday, revealing cracks in what was billed as a unifying global effort.
Polish PM Donald Tusk was blunt in a cabinet briefing: Poland opts out amid ‘current conditions’ but pledges ongoing evaluation. ‘National concerns over the board’s composition mean we won’t participate for now,’ he noted, just before a pivotal security council meeting touching on the proposal.
Across the Mediterranean, Italy’s Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani invoked the nation’s constitution, arguing the board’s setup violates requirements for parity in international forums. Speaking to Sky TG24, Tajani said, ‘Constitutional hurdles prevent our involvement.’ PM Giorgia Meloni’s recent plea to Trump for adjustments went unheeded, exposing limits to bilateral ties.
Conceived modestly to monitor Gaza truce efforts, the board’s scope exploded under Trump’s vision, now courting widespread participation for broader conflict resolution. Acceptances from nations like Pakistan, Egypt, and Turkey contrast sharply with no-shows from France, the UK, Norway, and Sweden.
This wave of refusals highlights sovereignty clashes with U.S.-centric designs. Critics argue the board’s heavy executive tilt toward Trump undermines collective decision-making. As the U.S. pushes for global buy-in, these rejections signal challenges ahead, potentially reshaping alliances in an era of fragmented international order.