Trump’s Board of Peace takes shape in Davos: Hungary’s solo EU stance raises eyebrows

In a move poised to reshape international efforts on Gaza’s reconstruction and potentially broader global conflicts, U.S. President Donald Trump is set to host a signing ceremony for the Charter of the Board of Peace on Thursday at the World Economic Forum in Davos.

The event, described by the White House as a “historic step toward lasting peace,” has drawn a select group of “founding members”, including several non-EU members.

Yet, the ceremony’s spotlight falls on Hungary’s Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, whose acceptance marks a notable divergence from the European Union’s collective caution – highlighting deepening fissures within the bloc amid escalating U.S.-EU tensions.

The Board of Peace, unveiled by Trump earlier this month, envisions a U.S.-led body initially focused on overseeing Gaza’s postwar governance, reconstruction, and security. With ambitions to expand its mandate to other hotspots, the initiative includes controversial elements: Trump’s proposed lifelong chairmanship, veto rights for key members, and a $1 billion cash contribution for permanent seats – framed by U.S. officials as a commitment to “peace and prosperity.”

The White House extended invitations to dozens of nations, but responses have been mixed, with many viewing it as a potential rival to the United Nations’ established mechanisms.

Notably, the U.S. extended an invitation to Russia to join the Board as a founding member, and the Kremlin’s response has sounded notably positive, with officials describing it as “worthy of serious consideration” and indicating that Moscow is actively studying the proposal.

From a Brussels perspective, the ceremony’s intrigue centres on Hungary’s apparent “desertion” from EU ranks. While EU leaders convene in Brussels on the same day for an emergency summit to coordinate a response to Trump’s aggressive demands on Greenland and tariff threats, Orbán’s team has confirmed Hungary’s unequivocal acceptance. Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó announced the decision on state radio, and Orbán himself shared Trump’s invitation letter on social media, calling it an “honorable” recognition of Hungary’s peace efforts.

This makes Hungary the sole EU member state to join thus far, breaking from the bloc’s cautious stance expressed by figures like French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, who have criticized the board as potentially undermining UN-led processes.

France’s refusal to join Trump’s Board of Peace has prompted him to threaten additional tariffs on French goods, including a proposed 200% levy on wines and champagnes.

Trump invites France, Germany, and EU Commission President to join controversial ‘Board of Peace’

Orbán’s move is not entirely surprising given his longstanding alliance with Trump and Hungary’s independent foreign policy streak. Budapest has often positioned itself as a bridge between East and West, maintaining ties with Russia and China while mitigating EU pressures. Yet, in the context of Trump’s broader agenda, this acceptance is causing harm to the EU at a crucial moment.

Kosovo, an EU hopeful, will reportedly sign Trump’s Charter, while fellow Western Balkan aspirant Albania – generally regarded as having one of the strongest current prospects for EU membership – has reacted positively to the U.S. initiative but has not yet confirmed participation or a signature at the ceremony.

Europe’s cold shoulder: Only Hungary and Albania ecstatic over Trump’s ‘Board of Peace’ invite

Other confirmed signatories include Argentina, Vietnam, Morocco, the UAE, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and Israel – a motley crew that Trump touts as evidence of broad support.

The very idea of undermining the United Nations through a dubious, pay-to-play format like the Board of Peace is putting the post-World War II international order to one of its most severe tests since 1945.

Caption: Participants leave after a plenary session in the Congress Hall at the 56th annual meeting of the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, Switzerland, 21 January 2026. The meeting under the topic ‘A Spirit of Dialogue’ brings together entrepreneurs, scientists, and corporate and political leaders in Davos and takes place from 19 to 23 January in Davos. EPA/GIAN EHRENZELLER