One foot in: Romania, Cyprus and Italy set to attend Trump’s Board of Peace as observers

Italy, Romania, and Cyprus are set to participate as observers in U.S. President Donald Trump’s newly established Board of Peace, half-way to full membership, due to growing legal and constitutional concerns across European capitals.

The three EU member countries will attend the board’s inaugural meeting in Washington on 19 February in this limited capacity.

The observer approach allows these nations to engage without endorsing elements of the Board’s structure that critics argue could undermine UN multilateralism or create pay-to-play dynamics for permanent seats. Full members like Hungary and Bulgaria (the latter pending ratification with interim consultative rights) represent exceptions in the EU, where internal documents have flagged constitutional concerns. Several capitals, including Germany and others, continue weighing options, aware that non-engagement risks marginalization, given Washington’s pivotal role.

U.S. President Donald Trump announced on 15 February that members of the Board of Peace have pledged more than $5 billion for reconstruction and humanitarian efforts in Gaza. The commitments are set to be formally unveiled at the group’s inaugural meeting on Thursday. In a post on Truth Social, Trump stated that member states have also committed thousands of personnel to a UN-authorized stabilization force and local police operations in the Palestinian enclave.

The first official gathering of the Board of Peace will take place at the Donald J. Trump Institute of Peace in Washington – a facility the State Department recently renamed in the president’s honor. Delegations from more than 20 countries, including heads of state, are expected to attend.

European caution amid strategic engagement

As the Board’s first leaders-level summit approaches in Washington, Romania, Cyprus, and Italy have confirmed their participation as observers rather than full members. This cautious approach reflects a broader European hesitation, where most EU states have declined full involvement due to concerns over the Board’s charter, including its centralized leadership under Trump’s lifelong chairmanship and veto powers, which some view as diverging from traditional multilateral frameworks like the United Nations.

Romanian President Nicușor Dan announced Romania’s observer status in a Facebook post on 15 February, emphasizing that the decision aligns with the country’s support for the diplomatic process initiated by the United States and endorsed by the UN Security Council. He highlighted Romania’s consistent backing for efforts to end the conflict and provide aid to Gaza’s civilian population, including through emergency medical evacuations.

“Romania will have observer status, and I will reaffirm our firm support for international peace efforts and openness to participate in the reconstruction process in the Gaza Strip,” Dan stated.

Constitutional constraints and prior international commitments prevent full membership, but Romania aims to maintain its traditional relations with Israel and Arab nations in the region while contributing to stability discussions.

Foreign Minister Oana Țoiu reinforced this position on X, noting Romania’s alignment with the European Union in supporting the peace process, enhanced humanitarian aid via joint mechanisms, and the two-state solution. President Dan has also referenced Romania’s regional expertise, underscoring the importance of Europe’s stake in Gaza’s future and the need for balanced engagement.

Similarly, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni confirmed Italy’s observer participation in an interview with Corriere della Sera. She described the invitation as a positive step toward addressing the Middle East war, despite constitutional barriers preventing formal membership. Italy views the Middle East as a priority, evidenced by its ongoing diplomatic efforts, and Meloni indicated that representation details – potentially involving Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani, remain under discussion following recent invitations. She suggested other Mediterranean and geographically proximate European states might follow suit in observer capacities.

Meloni stressed the value of transatlantic cooperation in a complex global environment, advocating for strengthened unity between Europe and the United States while emphasizing Europe’s role in NATO’s security framework.

Cyprus positions itself as a key regional player

Cyprus has also accepted observer status for the 19 February meeting, with President Nikos Christodoulides describing the invitation and participation as “very important.” As the EU member state closest to Gaza, Cyprus maintains extensive contacts with Mediterranean EU leaders and sees its involvement as advancing national interests alongside broader peace objectives.

Christodoulides explained that observer status addresses two key aspects: bolstering Gaza-specific efforts, where Cyprus has proposed concrete plans, and engaging with the Board’s general provisions. Cyprus did not sign the Charter at the Davos ceremony in January 2026 due to evaluations concerning the United Nations framework.

The president highlighted Cyprus’ pioneering role post the October 2023 attacks, launching the Amalthea initiative as the first country to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza’s civilians via a maritime corridor. He affirmed Cyprus’s obligation to contribute to implementing the Gaza peace plan, expressing the hope it would lead to lasting regional stability.

Government Spokesperson Konstantinos Letymbiotis noted the Washington meeting will focus on next steps in executing Trump’s plan, as adopted in Resolution 2803.

This decision resolves earlier uncertainty for Cyprus, which had been invited alongside dozens of countries and organizations to the Davos signing but cited practical constraints for non-attendance. Foreign Minister Constantinos Kombos had previously emphasized support for peace initiatives within international law and the UN Charter, while an EU diplomatic effort sought a common position – though Hungary and Bulgaria proceeded as full members, with Hungary’s Prime Minister Viktor Orbán planning to attend the summit.

The Board includes regional Middle Eastern powers such as Turkey, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Israel, as well as developing nations like Indonesia. However, major global powers and traditional U.S. Western allies have adopted a more cautious approach toward participation.

Sources: Politis, Romania Insider, Corriere della Sera, Reuters

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Caption: Italian’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni (L) and US President Donald Trump shake hands during the greetings ceremony before the family picture at the Gaza Peace Summit in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt, 13 October 2025. EPA/YOAN VALAT / POOL