Italy Joins Trump's Board of Peace as an Observer Amid Criticism

Italy will participate in the first meeting of US President Donald Trump's Board of Peace as an observer, due to constitutional constraints that prevent the country from being a full member. Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni announced this decision on Saturday during her visit to Ethiopia for the African Union summit. She noted that Italy received the invitation on Friday for the inaugural meeting scheduled for February 19 in Washington. Meloni explained to journalists that joining the Board of Peace as a full member is not constitutionally compatible with Italy’s participation in international organizations, as the Italian Constitution mandates equal terms with other states. This presents a conflict with the Board's structure, which endows Trump with considerable executive powers. The level of representation at the Washington meeting is still under consideration, according to Meloni. Trump had recently announced that member countries have committed more than $5 billion towards humanitarian aid and reconstruction for Gaza, indicating that the meeting’s agenda will also encompass discussions on an international stabilization force. Approximately 20 countries are anticipated to join the first formal session of the Board of Peace, with Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar attending at the request of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Additional countries, such as Romania, Cyprus, Hungary, and Bulgaria, have confirmed their participation, either as observers or full members. However, the decision to join the Board as an observer has not been received well domestically. Opposition leader Elly Schlein of the Democratic Party has criticized Meloni, alleging that she is exhibiting political subservience to Trump. Schlein contended that Meloni's actions undermine Italy's role within the European project and compromise its constitutional integrity. Other opposition voices, including those from the GreenLeft Alliance and the Five Star Movement, echoed these sentiments, demanding further discussion and transparency regarding Italy's involvement. In a broader context, Meloni has defended Trump against remarks made by German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, who critiqued Trump's "Make America Great Again" movement. Meloni acknowledged that while such political evaluations are legitimate, they should not distract the European Union from fostering ties with the United States. She reiterated a vision for enhanced integration, focusing on shared interests rather than divisions. The Board of Peace, which Trump announced during the World Economic Forum in Davos in January, was originally intended to oversee reconstruction efforts in Gaza, but Trump has indicated a desire to expand its scope to address global conflicts. As the meeting approaches, the dynamics of international relations, both within Europe and globally, continue to evolve. Related Sources: • Source 1 • Source 2