Italy and Poland have joined the list of European allies choosing not to engage with President Donald Trump’s recently established peace commission. This decision flows alongside a number of nations that have expressed hesitations or outright refusals to participate.
The commission was officially launched in late January, yet many in Europe and other traditional U.S. allies have opted to remain on the sidelines. Some countries have dismissed the initiative entirely, while others are taking a more cautious approach. On Wednesday, Poland and Italy’s leaders publicly declared their current decision against participation.
During a government meeting, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk stated, “Given the prevailing uncertainties regarding the peace commission’s format, Poland will not be part of its activities but will continue to examine it.”
Initially proposed as part of Trump’s 20-point peace initiative for Gaza, the commission was later expanded into a broader international entity. This restructuring has led to skepticism among some Western nations that worry about establishing a rival to the United Nations (UN). Interestingly, the UN Security Council did approve the peace framework, including the commission, back in November.
The draft plan entails that permanent members would each need to contribute around 1 billion dollars, granting Trump the role of its first chairman.
Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, a close ally of Trump, mentioned constitutional obstacles as the reason for her country’s abstention. Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani remarked, “We can’t join the peace commission due to insurmountable constitutional barriers in Italy. However, we are prepared to engage in reconstruction efforts aimed at bringing peace to the Middle East.”
Tusk indicated that Poland remains open to participating in the future if the commission’s structure changes, emphasizing that their relationship with the U.S. is of utmost priority. “We don’t dismiss any scenario that would allow us to join the Council’s initiatives,” Tusk commented.
France, under President Emmanuel Macron—a notable critic of Trump—has also declined participation, citing the council charter’s overreach beyond Gaza and raising concerns about UN principles that should not be questioned.
Other permanent members of the UN Security Council, such as the United Kingdom, China, and Russia, have yet to commit. A significant factor contributing to European reluctance is the prospect of including Russian President Vladimir Putin in a group designed to address global conflicts.
As it stands, several countries, including Argentina, Hungary, El Salvador, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and many others have confirmed their membership.
The Trump administration is set to hold the inaugural meeting of the peace commission in February.
