German chancellor Friedrich Merz said on Friday he woudl be ready to join US President Donald Trump’s Board of Peace initiative for the sake of Gaza but could not accept the plan in its current form.
“In the form in which the peace board is currently set up, we cannot accept its governance structures in Germany for constitutional reasons,” Merz said in a joint news conference with Italian Prime minister Giorgia Meloni in Rome.
“Though, we are of course prepared to explore other forms – new forms – of cooperation with the United States of America if the aim is to find new formats that bring us closer to peace in different regions of the world.”
Merz said these formats would not need to be limited only to Gaza and the Middle East but could also apply, for example, to Ukraine.
Meloni expressed similar opposition to the Board of Peace in its current form, saying she has asked Trump to amend its terms in order to resolve constitutional issues that have prevented Italy from joining it.
Under Italy’s constitution, the country can only join international organizations on equal terms with other states – a condition that Meloni says is not met by the board’s current statute, which gives Trump extensive executive powers.
The European Union’s foreign policy arm has also raised questions about Trump’s broad powers over the Board of Peace,according to an internal document seen by Reuters.
In a confidential analysis dated January 19 and shared with the EU’s member countries, the European External Action Service expressed worries about a concentration of power in Trump’s hands.
The Board of Peace’s charter “raises a concern under the EU’s constitutional principles” and “the autonomy of the EU legal order also militates against a concentration of powers in the hands of the chairman,” the bloc’s diplomatic service wrote.
The document also says the new Board of Peace “departs considerably” from the mandate that was authorized b
Leaders of Germany and Italy reject Trump’s ‘Board of Peace’ Proposal
Table of Contents
The leaders of germany and Italy have publicly stated they will not join former U.S. President donald Trump’s proposed “Board of Peace” in its current form, citing concerns about its structure and lack of defined objectives. This rejection casts doubt on the initiative’s viability and highlights diverging views on how to achieve peace in ongoing global conflicts.
Details of Trump’s Proposal
Donald Trump first announced the formation of a “Board of Peace” on January 21, 2026, during a campaign rally in South Carolina. He stated the board would be comprised of “respected leaders” from around the world who would advise him on resolving international disputes if he were re-elected president. Trump did not initially specify which leaders he intended to invite, but indicated he would seek individuals who were “not beholden to the failed policies of the past.”
German and Italian Responses
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, speaking at a press conference in Berlin on January 23, 2026, expressed skepticism about the proposal. he stated, “While we always welcome initiatives aimed at de-escalation and peace, a credible peace process requires a clear framework, defined goals, and the inclusion of all relevant parties. At present, we do not see these elements in the proposed ‘Board of Peace.'” Source: German Chancellor’s Official Website
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni echoed Scholz’s concerns in a statement released on January 24, 2026. “Italy is committed to multilateral diplomacy and working through established international institutions like the United Nations,” Meloni said. “We believe that any effort to promote peace must be conducted within this framework, and we are not able to participate in initiatives that operate outside of it.” Source: Italian Goverment Press Release
potential Implications
The rejection by Germany and Italy, both key U.S. allies and members of the G7, represents a important setback for Trump’s initiative. Analysts suggest the lack of participation from major European powers could undermine the board’s legitimacy and effectiveness. According to a report by the Council on Foreign Relations, published January 24, 2026, “The absence of key European voices would likely limit the board’s influence and credibility, particularly in conflicts involving European interests.” Source: Council on Foreign Relations Report
Trump’s Response
Donald Trump responded to the criticism on his social media platform, Truth Social, on January 24, 2026, stating, “Germany and Italy are making a big mistake. They are weak on defense and don’t understand how to make a deal. My Board of peace will succeed with or without them!” He did not elaborate on alternative plans or potential replacements for the leaders who declined to participate.
