Global coverage at a glance: breaking international headlines, geopolitical insights, regional developments, and on‑the‑ground reports from every continent.
Several European Union member states are preparing to participate as observers in the inaugural meeting of a peace initiative spearheaded by former U.S. President Donald Trump, signaling a complex interplay of diplomatic engagement and cautious reservation. The move comes as the Trump-led committee aims to address the ongoing conflict in Gaza and broader regional stability, prompting both anticipation and scrutiny within European political circles.
Italy, along with Romania, Greece, and Cyprus, will attend the meeting in a non-voting observer capacity, according to reports from the Italian news agency ANSA and confirmed by multiple sources. This participation reflects a desire among some EU nations to maintain a dialogue with all potential actors involved in seeking a resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, even as concerns linger about the initiative’s scope and potential impact. Hungary and Bulgaria, however, will participate as full members of the peace committee, demonstrating a more direct alignment with the former President’s approach.
Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani stated that Italy’s participation as an observer is intended to “guarantee a leading role” in the Gaza situation, as reported by Yonhap News Agency. Tajani emphasized Rome’s objective of fostering conditions for the coexistence of Israel and Palestine in the Middle East, framing the observer status as a balanced approach that respects constitutional constraints. He is scheduled to attend the first meeting in Washington D.C. On February 19th.
The European Union’s involvement is nuanced. While the EU Commission will send Dubravka Šuica, the Commissioner for Mediterranean Affairs, to the meeting, her participation is limited to specific areas related to Gaza and does not confer full membership to the committee, according to Yonhap. EU spokesperson Paula Pinheiro clarified that Šuica’s role is not as a member state representative. This distinction underscores the EU’s cautious approach to the initiative, balancing the necessitate for engagement with concerns about its overall direction.
[EPA 연합뉴스 자료사진. 재배포 및 DB 금지] Antonio Tajani, Italian Foreign Minister, speaking at a parliamentary briefing.
The Trump-led peace committee was initially conceived as a potential governing body for post-conflict Gaza, but its aims have expanded to encompass a broader role in international dispute resolution, raising questions about its potential to overlap with existing international organizations like the United Nations. MBC News reports that the committee is viewed with some skepticism, with concerns it may attempt to supplant established mechanisms for conflict resolution.
This development occurs against a backdrop of shifting geopolitical dynamics and ongoing efforts to mediate a ceasefire in Gaza. The conflict, which began on October 7, 2023, has resulted in a significant humanitarian crisis and prompted international calls for a lasting resolution. The involvement of former President Trump, known for his unconventional diplomatic style, adds another layer of complexity to the situation.
The participation of Italy follows a recent visit by Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni to Washington D.C. In April 2025, where she met with President Trump to discuss trade and security issues, including the potential for a resolution to the conflict. The Maeil Business Newspaper reported that Meloni’s visit was viewed with mixed reactions in Europe, with some hoping she could bridge the gap between the EU and the U.S., while others feared she might align too closely with Trump’s policies.
The EU’s internal discussions regarding the committee reflect a broader debate about the future of transatlantic relations under a potential second Trump administration. The former President’s “America First” policies and willingness to challenge established international norms have created uncertainty about the U.S.’s commitment to multilateralism. The current situation highlights the delicate balancing act faced by European leaders as they navigate a complex geopolitical landscape.
Looking ahead, the outcome of the February 19th meeting will be closely watched for indications of the committee’s concrete plans and its potential impact on the broader peace process. The level of engagement from other international actors, including the United Nations and Arab states, will also be crucial in determining the initiative’s success. The coming weeks will reveal whether this new forum can contribute to a meaningful resolution to the conflict or further complicate an already challenging situation.
What are your thoughts on the EU’s decision to send observers to the Trump-led peace initiative? Share your perspectives in the comments below.
