A significant diplomatic schism is forming within the international community regarding U.S. President Donald Trump’s newly proposed ‘Board of Peace’ initiative. While several Middle Eastern and regional powers have confirmed participation, key European nations are expressing reservations or outright refusing to join the controversial body.
Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan both confirmed their nations’ involvement on Wednesday, with Turkey’s Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan representing the country at Thursday’s signing ceremony during the World Economic Forum in Davos. This follows Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s earlier acceptance of membership.
The initiative, which would feature Trump as lifetime chairman, requires a $1 billion fee from participating nations for permanent membership, though Turkish officials confirmed the first three years would be fee-exempt. Approximately 50 countries have received invitations, with about 35 reportedly agreeing to join according to sources close to Trump.
Notable participants include Hungary, United Arab Emirates, Pakistan, Bahrain, Armenia, Morocco, Argentina, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and Belarus. Egypt’s foreign ministry stated its agreement came “after completing the relevant legal and constitutional procedures,” while expressing appreciation for “Trump’s leadership and his commitment to ending the war in Gaza.”
However, the initiative faces substantial opposition from European powers. France declared it could not give a “favourable response” at this stage, while Norway outright refused participation, citing the board “raises a certain number of questions.” Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated he “does not imagine” participating alongside Russia, calling it inconceivable given ongoing conflicts.
The United Kingdom expressed apprehension about Russia’s potential involvement, noting concern over inviting Russian President Vladimir Putin who “has proven time and again that he is not seriously committed to peace.” Germany confirmed Chancellor Friedrich Merz would not attend the signing ceremony, departing Davos prior to the event.
The diplomatic tensions coincide with ongoing strains between Europe and the U.S. regarding Trump’s repeated threats to annex Greenland, though he stated at Davos he would not use force in pursuing negotiations for its acquisition.