Athens Reluctant to Join Trump’s Board of Peace – Most Europeans Leaning Toward “No,” Except Orbán

By Arthur G

Athens appears reluctant to participate in the Board of Peace (also known as the Peace Council or Gaza Board of Peace) that U.S. President Donald Trump is establishing. The initiative, initially aimed at overseeing peace, reconstruction, and stability in Gaza following the ceasefire, has drawn invitations to around 60 countries. Most European nations are inclined to decline, with Hungary's Viktor Orbán being a prominent exception after confirming acceptance.

President Trump has been actively pressing for commitments, with a potential formal signing ceremony planned on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum in Davos, possibly as early as Thursday. Invitations have been extended widely, including to allies and others such as Russia, Belarus, India, Vietnam, Argentina, Jordan, the UAE, Albania, and more.

Greek government sources indicate that Athens is thoroughly reviewing the proposal from both political and legal angles. Greece is coordinating with EU partners and others, particularly given its current position as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council. Reports suggest Athens is leaning toward rejection, as the proposed structure appears to exceed the scope of UN Security Council Resolution 2803 (2025), which endorsed Trump's Comprehensive Plan to End the Gaza Conflict and authorized a transitional Board of Peace focused specifically on Gaza with a limited timeframe (through the end of 2027).

Originally framed under Resolution 2803 as a temporary mechanism tied to Gaza's administration, reconstruction, demilitarization via an International Stabilization Force, and oversight by a National Committee for the Administration of Gaza, the invitations and accompanying draft charter now suggest a broader, indefinite mandate. The body could evolve into a permanent, U.S.-led international structure for addressing conflicts globally, with Trump chairing it and options for permanent membership via significant financial contributions (e.g., $1 billion).

This expansion raises concerns that acceptance could legitimize a parallel entity potentially undermining the United Nations' authority and role in global peace efforts. Rejection, however, risks straining bilateral relations with the U.S., given the personal nature of the invitations and Trump's emphasis on participation.

Within the European Union, major players like Germany, France, and reportedly the UK (under Keir Starmer) are leaning toward declining. Hungary has accepted, as has Albania from the wider European region. Other countries, including Vietnam, Argentina, Morocco, Kazakhstan, and the UAE, have signaled or confirmed participation, with estimates suggesting Trump has secured backing from at least 10–15 nations to proceed.

Greece's hesitation aligns with broader European caution over the initiative's potential to sideline established multilateral frameworks like the UN, while still acknowledging the original Gaza-focused mandate under Resolution 2803. Athens continues to assess the full implications before finalizing its stance.