Italy Rejects Trump’s ‘Board of Peace’ Citing Constitutional Conflict
Tajani explained that Article 11 of the Italian Constitution permits the nation to join international organizations only if they ensure "conditions of equality with other states." However, the charter of the Board of Peace grants Donald Trump expansive, singular powers, including a life-term chairmanship and absolute authority as the final interpreter of the board's rules. Tajani argued that this structure violates the core principle of sovereign equality among member nations, making Italy's participation legally impossible.
The decision marks a significant blow to the initiative’s legitimacy within Europe, as Italy joins France, Germany, and the United Kingdom in distancing themselves from the project. The board has faced intense international scrutiny since its inception, primarily due to its unconventional membership structure. Permanent membership requires a staggering contribution of $1 billion, leading critics to label the project a "pay-to-play" alternative to the United Nations. While the board was originally framed as a body to oversee the reconstruction of Gaza, its broad mandate and the immense power concentrated in the chairmanship have raised concerns about it bypassing established global diplomatic channels.
Despite the growing resistance from major European powers, approximately 26 nations—including Hungary, Argentina, Israel, and Saudi Arabia—are reportedly set to participate in the project. The board’s inaugural meeting is scheduled for February 19 in Washington, D.C. This summit will be preceded by a high-profile meeting between President Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on February 18. Observers note that while Trump maintains a cordial relationship with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, the constitutional barriers cited by Tajani have forced Rome to prioritize legal integrity over political alignment.
