Spain will not participate in US President Donald Trump’s Board of Peace initiative, citing its commitment to multilateralism and the United Nations. Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said the decision aligns with Spain’s long-standing support for international law. He told reporters, “We appreciate the invitation, but we decline,” following an EU summit in Brussels.
The Board of Peace is intended to broker ceasefires, oversee security arrangements, and coordinate rebuilding in post-conflict regions. The initiative is linked to Trump’s controversial Gaza peace plan. Washington presented it as a global effort to manage conflicts and promote stability.
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Traditional US allies, including Canada, Britain, and most EU members, were absent at the board’s launch at the World Economic Forum in Davos. Only Hungary and Bulgaria joined European representation. Sanchez emphasized that Spain’s refusal reflects its consistent diplomatic principles.
Another concern cited by Sanchez is the absence of the Palestinian Authority from the board. Israel has joined the initiative along with Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates. Spain maintains that any peace effort must be inclusive and respect international law.
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Sanchez’s decision signals a cautious European stance on the initiative and reinforces Madrid’s support for UN-led diplomacy. It highlights Spain’s preference for multilateral solutions rather than unilateral or regional-led approaches.