Italy to Join Trump’s ‘Board of Peace’ as Observer Amid Middle East Crisis
Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has confirmed that Italy will join the United States’ proposed “Board of Peace” initiative as an observer, positioning Rome as a key European conduit in Washington’s evolving Middle East strategy. Speaking to reporters, Meloni endorsed the initiative as a “good solution” to the region’s instability but clarified that Rome’s involvement would stop short of full membership due to strict constitutional mandates.
The “Board of Peace” serves as a cornerstone of President Donald Trump’s renewed diplomatic push in the region, aiming to expand upon the framework of the Abraham Accords by integrating economic cooperation with security alignments between Israel and Arab nations. Italy’s decision to join—albeit in a limited capacity—signals a strengthening of ties between Meloni’s conservative government and the Trump administration, diverging slightly from the more cautious approach currently adopted by Brussels.
Meloni emphasized that while Rome fully supports the political and diplomatic objectives of the Board, Italy’s Constitution prevents formal participation in what could be construed as a binding military or security alliance outside of established NATO or United Nations frameworks. Article 11 of the Italian Constitution, which repudiates war as an instrument of offense, has historically limited Italian governments from entering into bilateral security guarantees that lack a broader multilateral mandate. By accepting observer status, Rome can contribute to diplomatic dialogue and humanitarian logistics without triggering domestic legal challenges regarding the deployment of military assets or binding defense clauses.
The move, however, has not been without detractors. Domestic opposition leaders and some European diplomats have raised concerns that the “Board of Peace” may bypass traditional diplomatic channels, potentially undermining the European Union’s unified stance on Middle Eastern policy. Critics argue that aligning too closely with a US-centric initiative could compromise Italy’s historical role as a neutral mediator in the Mediterranean. Furthermore, skeptics warn that the initiative focuses heavily on security normalization while lacking a concrete roadmap for addressing the Palestinian issue, a point of contention that has previously stalled similar diplomatic efforts.
Despite these objections, the decision underscores Italy’s strategic interest in stabilizing the wider Mediterranean region, which is vital for energy security and managing migration flows. As an observer, Italy is expected to focus on “soft power” contributions, including economic development proposals and conflict mediation, utilizing its long-standing diplomatic relationships in Lebanon, Libya, and the wider Levant to facilitate the Board’s objectives.
