Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, at US President Donald Trump's announcement of the Board of Peace charter, at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, on January 22, 2026. EVAN VUCCI/AP
Although Donald Trump's Board of Peace has been widely criticized in Europe, several leaders from the continent were still set to attend its inaugural Washington meeting, scheduled for Thursday, February 19. The board was originally intended as a forum to discuss the future of the Gaza Strip, but it now aims to supplant the United Nations. While London, Paris, Madrid and Berlin refused to participate from the outset, at least two European countries openly decided to join the initiative. Several other countries, and even the European Commission, have opted to attend as "observers" – seemingly to avoid offending the United States administration and/or to at least be present at a meeting set to address the situation in Gaza – the most reluctant countries have still been hesitant over what course to take.
A steadfast admirer of the American president, Hungarian nationalist Prime Minister Viktor Orban unsurprisingly features among those who support the project. While in Davos, Switzerland, in January, he announced his intention to join the body, "because Hungary needs peace in order to continue to grow and develop," and will be present in Washington on Thursday.
