Costa says EU holds serious doubts over Peace Council

• European Council President Antonio Costa says EU leaders hold serious doubts about the scope and governance of Trump’s Peace Council.
• Despite concerns, European leaders signal willingness to engage on a Gaza peace plan, as European participation remains limited.

European Council President Antonio Costa said early Friday that European leaders have “serious doubts” about the scope and mandate of the Peace Council announced by US President Donald Trump.

Speaking after a European Union summit in Brussels, Costa said the concerns focus on “several provisions of the Peace Council’s charter, particularly those related to its mandate, governance, and its compatibility with the United Nations Charter.”

Despite these reservations, Costa stressed that European leaders are prepared to engage with the new body. “We are ready to work with the United States on implementing a comprehensive peace plan for Gaza, with a Peace Council that assumes its role as a transitional administration,” he said.

Trump promotes council amid skepticism

Trump, for his part, said several European countries have expressed interest in joining the Peace Council but are awaiting approval from their national parliaments. He specifically mentioned Italy and Poland.

Earlier Thursday, during the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, Trump formally announced the launch of the Peace Council, saying it aims to maintain the ceasefire in Gaza.

Trump claimed that “everyone wants to be part of the body,” adding that it could eventually rival the United Nations, even as many US allies have so far declined to participate.

When asked whether he would lead the council after leaving office, Trump said he was unsure. “I have the right to do so if I want. I’ll decide. In theory, it could be for life, but I’m not sure I want that,” he said.

Limited European participation

Bulgaria and Hungary remain the only European Union member states to have joined the Peace Council so far. Bulgaria’s outgoing government decided to sign on to the initiative, a move expected to be ratified by parliament next week.

Bulgarian diplomat Nikolay Mladenov, a former United Nations envoy, was also appointed as the Peace Council’s high representative for Gaza.

Outside the EU, Albania’s parliament approved the government’s decision to join the Peace Council on Thursday. Prime Minister Edi Rama described the move as a “gesture of goodwill” and a “special honor,” saying it would strengthen Albania’s international role.

The legislation passed with 110 votes in the 140-seat parliament. Rama said membership would “guarantee Albania a seat at the table of global diplomatic dialogue.”

Kosovo has also joined the Peace Council. The country is considered a close ally of the United States, which supported its declaration of independence from Serbia in 2008.