European Union Commissioner Dubravka Suica’s upcoming trip to Washington marks a cautious entry into Donald Trump’s Board of Peace. Scheduled for this week, her participation in the board’s maiden session comes as an observer, not a member, according to EU officials in Brussels.
Spokesperson Guillaume Mercier laid out the rationale plainly: ‘We’re there to reinforce our dedication to a Gaza ceasefire and to engage in global reconstruction initiatives.’ This stance reflects the EU’s hefty investments—1.65 billion euros in aid to Palestinian areas since the Israel-Hamas war began on October 7, 2023—positioning it as the prime benefactor unwilling to be excluded from recovery plans.
Trump introduced the board at the Davos forum in January, framing it as a watchdog for Gaza reforms tied to a 20-point peace strategy from last year. European reservations center on its charter, especially Trump’s perpetual chairmanship beyond his presidential term, prompting most of the 27 EU nations to rebuff formal involvement and prepare a critical joint declaration on its remit.
Yet, by sending Suica, Brussels signals openness to selective teamwork. This move counters perceptions of outright opposition, potentially opening channels for input on critical issues like humanitarian access and postwar rebuilding.
As tensions simmer in the Middle East, the EU’s strategy blends wariness with engagement. Observers note it could influence the board’s direction early on, ensuring European priorities like sustainable peace and aid delivery aren’t overlooked in US-dominated forums.