Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni announced that Italy will participate in the first session of U.S. President Donald Trump’s Board of Peace on February 19 in Washington only as an observer, citing constitutional limitations that prevent full membership.
Speaking during the African Union summit in Addis Ababa, Meloni explained that Italy’s constitution allows participation in international organizations only on equal terms with other states, which conflicts with the Board’s structure granting Trump broad executive powers.
Meloni did not specify the level of Italian representation at the session. The Board of Peace, launched by Trump at the Davos World Economic Forum, aims to oversee Gaza reconstruction and potentially address global conflicts. Trump said members have pledged over $5 billion for humanitarian and reconstruction efforts in Gaza.
At least 20 countries are expected to attend, including Israel, represented by Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar, and Romania and Cyprus as observers. Hungary and Bulgaria are the only EU countries joining as full members.
The announcement sparked criticism at home. Opposition leaders accused Meloni of political subservience to Trump and of sidelining Italy within the EU. Elly Schlein (Democratic Party) argued that joining without equal footing circumvents the constitution, while Angelo Bonelli (Europa Verde) called it a “political protectorate” of Trump.
Meloni defended her decision, distancing it from German criticism of Trump’s MAGA movement. She emphasized that Europe should strengthen integration with the U.S. and focus on shared goals rather than divisions.
