Italy Rejects Trump's Peace Council, Citing Constitutional Conflict

Overview

• Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani said Italy cannot join because the council’s statute conflicts with Article 11 of the Constitution and poses an insuperable legal obstacle.
• Italian officials object to a structure that concentrates authority in President Trump, including the presidency, veto mechanisms and exclusive powers to create or dissolve bodies.
• Tajani emphasized Italy remains ready to contribute to Gaza through constitutionally compliant avenues, including potential police training.
• While several U.S. allies have declined or voiced doubts, including France, Germany, the United Kingdom, Norway, the Czech Republic and New Zealand, roughly two dozen states are listed as adherents and invitations have gone to leaders such as Argentina’s Javier Milei and Romania’s Nicusor Dan.
• The inaugural meeting is scheduled for Feb. 19 in Washington, a day after a planned Trump–Netanyahu meeting, following Tajani’s discussions with U.S. officials JD Vance and Marco Rubio at the Milan–Cortina Olympics.