Italy will not join US President Donald Trump’s Board of Peace for Gaza, at least for the time being.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni announced this yesterday in an interview on the Porta a Porta chat show on Rai1 public television, with her appearance signalling Italy’s alignment with the European Union and other European partners.
Meloni emphasised her interest in the initiative but stated that Italy would pause its participation.
“Italy’s position is open: We are open, available and interested,” Meloni said, stressing, though, that legal and constitutional issues currently prevented immediate involvement.
Some provisions of the Board could require participating countries to adhere collectively to decisions taken within the forum, potentially limiting Italy’s independent decision-making, which is incompatible with the Italian Constitution.
“There is a constitutional compatibility issue … this does not allow us to sign tomorrow; however, we need more time,” Meloni added. She was referring to Article 11 of the Italian Constitution, which regulates Italy’s ability to cede sovereignty or accept binding international obligations .
In practical terms, while the Board does not formally transfer sovereignty, Italy fears that participation could entail joint commitments, operational involvement, or co-ordinated decisions that might constrain the country’s autonomy in foreign policy.
The Board of Peace for Gaza is a multilateral forum proposed by Trump in late 2025 to support a ceasefire, co-ordinate humanitarian aid and oversee reconstruction in Gaza.
It brings together countries and international experts to make collective decisions on peace-building, with a US-led chair guiding its activities.
While initially focused on Gaza, the Board could remain active in the future to address other regional or global issues.
Across Europe, reactions have been cautious. To date, only Hungary has confirmed participation, while France, Norway and Sweden have declined.
Many European governments prefer traditional multilateral frameworks, such as the United Nations, reflecting concerns that the Board, under US leadership with strong executive powers, could undermine established international institutions.
Germany, the UK and the European Union are still evaluating the proposal.
Analysts say Meloni’s cautious stance reflects not only Italian constitutional considerations but also a deliberate foreign policy strategy: By taking time and not joining the Board of Peace immediately, Italy, under Meloni’s leadership, is seeking to balance its role between the US and the EU. Thereby it is avoiding moves that could alienate either partner at a time of rising transatlantic tensions, while still co-ordinating closely with European allies.
By pausing on immediate participation and emphasising legal review, Italy keeps the door open.
“It is not a wise choice, for Italy and for Europe, to exclude ourselves from a body that is, in any case, interesting,” Meloni said, highlighting Italy’s potential role in supporting a peace plan for the Middle East and advancing a two-state solution.
