US invites Italy to join Trump’s Board of Peace for Gaza amid EU concerns

• US invites Italy to join Trump’s Board of Peace for Gaza, while Italy and Germany cite constitutional hurdles and await revisions.
• EU raises concerns over board’s governance, concentration of power, and compatibility with UN and EU rules.

The United States has asked Italy to become a founding member of the planned International Stabilization Force for Gaza, according to sources familiar with the discussions.

The Trump administration is aiming to build international backing for the initiative.

Diplomats made the offer this week to the office of Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and the Foreign Ministry. No decision has been made, and the matter now rests with Meloni, sources said on condition of anonymity due to the private nature of the talks.

Italy and Germany cautious

Earlier, both Italy and Germany signaled willingness to join the US-led initiative, citing constitutional hurdles. “We are available. We are interested in this initiative,” Meloni said at a press briefing with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz in Rome. “However, as the initiative is currently structured, there are problems with our Constitution. It would be unconstitutional for us to get involved.”

Merz echoed her comments, saying Germany could not accept the board’s governance structure for constitutional reasons, but expressed openness to exploring other forms of cooperation with the United States.

Trump’s Board of Peace

Launched in Davos, the Board of Peace was initially conceived to oversee the ceasefire and reconstruction in Gaza, where a ceasefire was reached in October under a 20-point plan by Trump. Its charter, however, extends its mandate to global conflict resolution.

The board is chaired for life by Trump and allows member states only three-year terms unless they contribute USD 1 billion each to fund permanent membership. Trump has said the board would operate in coordination with the United Nations.

EU raises governance concerns

The European Union has expressed concerns about the board’s structure and concentration of power in Trump’s hands, according to an internal EU document dated January 19. The European External Action Service highlighted potential conflicts with EU constitutional principles and questioned compatibility with the UN Charter.

Several EU countries, including France and Spain, have already ruled out joining. European Council President Antonio Costa said the EU remains willing to cooperate with the US on implementing a Gaza peace plan but emphasized the need for alignment with UN resolutions.

Next steps uncertain

Italian Prime Minister Meloni has requested that Trump amend the board’s terms to address constitutional issues so Italy can participate. German Chancellor Merz suggested alternative cooperation formats could extend beyond Gaza, potentially including Ukraine and other conflict zones.

As discussions continue, the US seeks to secure European backing while addressing constitutional and governance concerns raised by EU member states.