Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez officially declined an invitation to join the U.S. President Donald Trump’s newly launched Board of Peace. Speaking in Brussels, Sánchez emphasized that Spain’s decision is rooted in a commitment to multilateralism and the existing United Nations system. He noted that the initiative lacks the participation of the Palestinian Authority, which Madrid views as essential for any legitimate peace process.
Spain says it decided not to participate in Trump’s Board of Peace.
“It does not include Palestine. The future must be decided by Palestinians.” pic.twitter.com/jSmySFAKLX
— Globe Eye News (@GlobeEyeNews) January 23, 2026
The Board of Peace, unveiled this week at the World Economic Forum in Davos, was originally designed to oversee a 20-point peace plan for Gaza. However, its charter has since expanded to a broader geopolitical role, with Trump suggesting it could eventually “rival or replace” the UN. While 21 nations, including Israel, Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, and Hungary—have signed the charter, most Western allies have remained distant. Tensions were further high following Trump’s recent (and now rescinded) threat of 200% tariffs on European goods over a dispute regarding Greenland.
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The board’s structure is notably transactional; while membership is voluntary, a $1 billion contribution to a reconstruction fund secures a permanent seat. Following a critical speech by Canadian PM Mark Carney in Davos, Trump abruptly revoked Canada’s invitation via social media. Despite the friction, Trump claims the board is the “most prestigious ever assembled,” while critics, including Sánchez, warn it risks undermining international law and legitimizing “one-sided” diplomacy.
