S&D Presses Brussels Over Role in Controversial ‘Board of Peace’

The Socialists and Democrats (S&D) Group in the European Parliament has demanded urgent clarification from the European Commission over its participation in the first meeting of the so-called “Board of Peace” in Washington, warning that the initiative risks undermining the European Union’s commitment to international law and multilateral diplomacy.

The forum, launched last month by U.S. President Donald Trump, is scheduled to convene its first meeting on Thursday. Initially conceived as a mechanism to oversee the Gaza truce and reconstruction efforts following the Hamas-Israel war, its purpose has since expanded to include resolving broader international conflicts, prompting fears that Washington is seeking to establish a rival structure to the United Nations.

S&D vice-president for foreign affairs Yannis Maniatis called on Brussels to explain who authorised the Commission’s involvement and under what political framework.

“The European Commission must clearly explain its position on this so-called ‘Board of Peace’. There are serious concerns about the lack of transparency, the unclear mandate, and the risks of taking part in initiatives outside the United Nations framework,” said Maniatis.

He added that the Commission’s public messaging appeared inconsistent and warned that engagement in initiatives not anchored in UN resolutions could weaken the EU’s credibility.

“The EU must remain fully committed to a genuine, inclusive peace process based on international law and the UN. Any deviation risks setting a damaging precedent for EU foreign policy,” he said.

EU High Representative Kaja Kallas has expressed similar reservations, warning that the Board risks becoming a unilateral platform that excludes Palestinian representation and disregards internationally agreed parameters for negotiations.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Robert Abela on Wednesday confirmed that Malta will not be taking part in Thursday’s Board of Peace meeting. The decision follows weeks of internal debate and growing domestic criticism over potential involvement.

Abela said that the government had received an informal invitation but decided it would evaluate the situation further before taking any decisions on possible future participation.

“We will then take the necessary decisions, particularly when it comes to Gaza and ensuring lasting peace in the region,” Abela said, adding that Malta remains committed to working within established international frameworks.

Foreign Affairs permanent secretary Christopher Cutajar had previously advised against Malta joining the initiative, while opposition parties urged the government to completely disengage, arguing that participation would conflict with the country’s constitutional neutrality and long-standing support for multilateralism.