Rome, February 16, 2026 – The Europe Today: Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni confirmed on Sunday that Italy will participate as an observer in the White House-backed “Board of Peace” initiative aimed at advancing efforts toward stability in Gaza and broader regional peacemaking.
In an interview with the Italian daily Corriere della Sera, Meloni said Italy had received an invitation to attend in observer status and intends to respond positively. “We were invited as an observer country, and in our view, it is a good solution regarding the problem of the war in the Middle East,” she stated.
Meloni noted that constitutional constraints prevent Italy from formally joining the body but stressed that Rome supports the initiative, describing the Middle East as “a priority” reflected in Italy’s sustained diplomatic engagement in the region. She added that the level of Italian representation at the inaugural meeting has yet to be finalized, as invitations were only recently extended to European partners.
The prime minister indicated that other European countries, particularly Mediterranean states and those geographically close to the region, may also participate in a similar observer capacity. Her remarks followed consultations with European leaders and discussions with Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani, who has been engaged in EU-level talks focused on Gaza.
On January 22, representatives of 19 countries signed the Charter of the Board of Peace on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland. The initiative was established within the framework of efforts toward a peaceful settlement in the Gaza Strip and seeks to promote peacemaking efforts globally. Washington has since indicated that additional states have joined the initiative.
The first leaders-level meeting of the Board of Peace is scheduled for February 19 in Washington, D.C. Italian media have reported that Tajani could represent Rome at the gathering, although no final decision has been announced.
Addressing broader transatlantic relations, Meloni underscored the importance of cooperation between Europe and the United States, describing the current phase as “very complex” but urging both sides to strengthen shared interests rather than focus on divisions. She also supported calls for Europe to enhance its security role, particularly within NATO’s European pillar, while distancing herself from political criticisms directed at U.S. President Donald Trump and his MAGA movement, noting that such judgments fall within the realm of party politics rather than European Union institutions.
