In a significant diplomatic snub, Sweden has become the latest European nation to turn down U.S. President Donald Trump’s ambitious ‘Board of Peace’ proposal, following in the footsteps of France and Norway. Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson made the announcement during a press interaction in Davos, emphasizing that the current framework of the initiative does not align with his country’s principles.
This rejection comes hot on the heels of Norway’s firm stance on Tuesday. Norway’s Deputy Foreign Minister Andreas Motzfeldt Kravik told local media that his nation cannot participate in any effort that undermines the foundational principles of the United Nations. France had already voiced similar concerns, with President Emmanuel Macron declaring at the World Economic Forum that the board cannot serve as an alternative to the UN Security Council.
The ‘Board of Peace,’ as outlined in a draft charter reviewed by Reuters, envisions Trump as its lifelong chairman. Initially focused on resolving the Gaza conflict, it plans to expand to other global disputes. Invitations have extended to controversial figures like Russian President Vladimir Putin and Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko, raising eyebrows across Europe, particularly from the United Kingdom, which has expressed worries over its structure.
While several European powers have distanced themselves, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has accepted the invitation. His office confirmed via X that Netanyahu will join the board, comprising world leaders aimed at addressing Gaza-related disputes. However, Israel had initially raised objections, particularly over the inclusion of Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, and plans to discuss concerns with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
Other nations like Argentina, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Hungary, Kazakhstan, Morocco, the UAE, and Vietnam have already agreed to participate in this second phase of Trump’s Gaza peace plan. This phase includes forming a National Committee for Gaza Administration (NCAG) to oversee reconstruction and fundraising, overseen by the ‘Board of Peace’ and a separate Gaza Executive Board.
Critics, including diplomats cited by The Times of Israel, warn that the board could undermine UN efforts. As Trump’s vision for parallel global peacemaking takes shape, the divide between supporters and skeptics underscores deepening geopolitical tensions.