EU Commission spokesperson: EU member countries' envoys were informed Commissioner Suica was traveling to board of peace event

EU Commission spokesperson: EU member countries' envoys were informed Commissioner Suica was traveling to board of peace event

EU Commission Defends Šuica’s Attendance at Trump’s Board of Peace Amid Member State Criticism

The European Commission has stated that EU member countries’ envoys were informed of Commissioner Dubravka Šuica’s participation in the inaugural meeting of U.S. President Donald Trump’s Board of Peace in Washington on February 19, 2026. However, the move has sparked significant backlash from several EU member states, who argue the Commission overstepped its authority on foreign policy matters according to EU member state criticism.

France, Belgium, Spain, and other nations criticized the decision, asserting that the Commission lacks a formal mandate to represent the EU in such forums. French Foreign Ministry spokesperson Pascal Confavreux emphasized that the Board of Peace “needs to recentre to focus on Gaza” and that Paris would not participate until the initiative aligns with UN Security Council resolutions as France stated. A Belgian diplomat added that the Commission’s involvement risks “instrumentalisation” of the EU’s foreign policy role according to Reuters reporting.

The Commission defended Šuica’s attendance, with spokesperson Paula Pinho stating the EU must remain “at the table” to ensure its influence on Gaza’s post-conflict recovery and reconstruction. The EU has committed €1.6 billion to Palestinian recovery (2025–2027) and over €550 million in humanitarian aid since October 2023. Šuica, as Commissioner for the Mediterranean, framed her role as facilitating coordination with international efforts.

Despite the Commission’s rationale, 12 EU countries sent observers or lower-level representatives, while major powers like Germany and the UK opted for diplomatic participation. Hungary and Bulgaria joined the Board as non-voting members, reflecting divergent EU stances according to EU reporting.

EU foreign ministers will grill Šuica on Monday, February 20, at the Foreign Affairs Council to address concerns over the Commission’s mandate and the event’s alignment with EU foreign policy principles as reported by EuroNews. The controversy underscores tensions between the EU’s institutional role and member states’ sovereignty in foreign affairs, particularly amid geopolitical shifts and Trump’s controversial initiatives.

The Board of Peace, chaired by Trump for life, has drawn skepticism for its potential to bypass the UN. The EU’s stance remains cautious, balancing engagement with strategic reservations.