Italy has officially declined to join the "Board of Peace," an interim administration oversight body for Gaza established by U.S. President Donald Trump.
Despite the close rapport between Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and President Trump, the Italian government cited "insurmountable" constitutional barriers as the reason for its decision.
The announcement was made by Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani on Saturday (February 7) during an interview with the news agency ANSA.
The Constitutional Deadlock
Foreign Minister Tajani explained that the legal structure of the Board of Peace conflicts directly with Article 11 of the Italian Constitution.
The Equality Clause: Article 11 stipulates that Italy can only join international organizations under "conditions of equality with other states."
The Veto Issue: The Board’s charter designates Donald Trump as the Chairman with absolute veto power and final authority over all interpretations.
The Verdict: Tajani stated that this hierarchy creates an imbalance of power that prevents Italy from participating as an equal sovereign state.
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"The differences between the Italian Constitution and the Board of Peace charter cannot be bridged from a legal standpoint," Tajani noted.
A Growing List of Absentees
Italy’s refusal adds to a list of major European powers—including France, Germany, the UK, and Spain—that have opted out of the initiative.
While the Board was endorsed by the UN last year as a post-war transitional authority for Gaza, many Western allies remain concerned that it could bypass traditional multilateral frameworks like the United Nations.
Italy’s Alternative Role
Despite not joining the Board, Italy reaffirmed its commitment to Middle East stability. Following a "very positive" meeting with U.S. Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio in Milan on Friday, Tajani confirmed that Italy is ready to:
What's Next for the Board of Peace?
While European participation remains thin, the Board of Peace website indicates that 26 countries, including regional mediators like Qatar and Egypt, have joined.
Upcoming Key Events:
February 18: President Trump is scheduled to meet Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House.
February 19: The first official meeting of the Board of Peace leaders is expected to take place in Washington D.C.
Hungarian Support: Prime Minister Viktor Orbán has confirmed he will travel to Washington to attend the inaugural session.
