Malta is seeking legal advice after being invited to join US President Donald Trump’s proposed ‘Board of Peace’, Prime Minister Robert Abela told parliament on Monday.
Abela confirmed that Malta, like other EU member states, had received an invitation to participate and said no decision had yet been taken. Any move to join would depend on whether participation was deemed to be in the national interest, he said.
The prime minister said the government was evaluating the initiative and would take a decision independently of the EU’s collective position, noting that Malta may ultimately adopt a different stance from other member states.
The Board of Peace has been presented by Trump as a post-war governance mechanism for Gaza, but has drawn criticism over its structure and governance. Its charter lists Trump as chairman for life, allows three-year renewable memberships at his discretion, and requires a $1 billion contribution to a Trump-controlled fund for permanent membership.
Within the EU, only Hungary and Bulgaria have so far agreed to join the initiative. Most member states have distanced themselves from it, with the European Council expressing serious reservations about its compatibility with the UN Charter.
Abela acknowledged differing views on the board but said it could serve as a point of engagement with the United States. He added that Malta maintains strong relations with both the US and the EU.
