U.S. President Donald Trump has invited world leaders to attend the inaugural summit of his proposed "Peace Council," scheduled for February 19th. The initiative, however, has revealed a sharp international divide, with some nations accepting and others firmly declining or expressing reservations.
**A Divided Response**
While the leaders of **Argentina**, **Javier Milei**, and **Hungary**, **Viktor Orban**, have accepted the invitation, a notable bloc of European nations has refused. **France, Italy, Norway, the Czech Republic, and Croatia** have all signaled they will not attend.
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban confirmed his participation, aligning with his longstanding political affinity for Trump. Romanian President Klaus Iohannis also acknowledged receiving an invitation but stated his country has not yet decided, noting that **Romania** wishes to join only after a review of the council's charter.
**Rejection and Constitutional Concerns**
European refusals are grounded in political and legal objections. Czech Prime Minister **Andrej Babis** stated his country would act in consultation with EU partners, many of whom are also refusing. Italian Foreign Minister **Antonio Tajani** was more explicit, citing "insurmountable constitutional obstacles." He clarified that the Italian constitution prohibits joining an organization led by a single individual, a direct reference to the council's structure granting Trump ultimate authority.
**Broader Criticism: A Challenge to the UN?**
The most vocal criticism came from **Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva**, who accused Trump of seeking to become the "master of a new United Nations." Lula defended multilateralism, lamented the "shredding of the UN Charter," and said he was contacting other global leaders to defend the existing world body.
This sentiment underscores a major concern among skeptics: that the **Peace Council** could evolve into a **rival organization to the United Nations**, undermining global **multilateralism**.
**The Council's Stated Goals and Structure**
Trump announced the formation of the council on the sidelines of the **World Economic Forum in Davos** in January. According to a draft charter, its stated purpose is to "promote stability, restore good and lawful governance, and ensure lasting peace in regions affected or threatened by conflict."
The White House initially framed it as part of a U.S. plan to end the war in **Gaza**, but the charter's scope is global. The draft grants the council broad powers and a unique structure: decisions are made by a majority vote (one vote per member), but **all decisions remain subject to the approval of the President**—Donald Trump. He also holds the sole authority to invite new members.
**Analysis: A Test of Influence and a New World Order?**
The mixed reactions to the Peace Council summit highlight the current fragmented state of **global diplomacy**. For supporters like Orban and Milei, it represents an alternative platform aligned with their sovereigntist views. For the refusing European nations, it conflicts with their commitment to EU coordination and established international law.
The initiative tests Trump's ability to rally international support around a personal diplomatic vehicle outside traditional structures. Whether it becomes a functional body or remains a symbolic gathering of a like-minded few will depend on its final membership and its first concrete actions. Its potential to either complement or challenge the **United Nations** will be closely watched by leaders worldwide.
**Source: Al Jazeera + French Press Agency (AFP)**