EU's Stance on the Proposed Peace Council
The European Union has stated it would only consider cooperating with a Peace Council proposed by U.S. President Donald Trump if its mandate is strictly confined to the Gaza Strip, in full alignment with a United Nations Security Council resolution. This resolution, adopted on November 17, 2025, calls for the establishment of an interim administration to coordinate Gaza's reconstruction and humanitarian aid efforts.
Mandate and International Support for the Council
The UN Security Council resolution, which envisions the Gaza Peace Council operating for a limited period until 2027, also outlines a clear mechanism for the eventual transfer of authority to the Palestinians. The vote saw support from 13 Security Council member nations, while China and Russia chose to abstain.
President Trump is advancing the creation of this council as part of a broader initiative and intends to request contributions of one billion dollars from each participating state. Invitations to join have been extended to European nations, Canada, Russia, Belarus, and Ukraine.
Kaja Kallas, Deputy Prime Minister of Estonia: 'We want to work for peace in the Middle East, and we want this Peace Council to be limited by the UN Security Council resolution, as intended.'
She further clarified: 'So, if we narrow its application to the Gaza Strip, as planned, then we can also work with it.'
This development regarding the Gaza Peace Council unfolds against the backdrop of the ongoing regional conflict and pressing humanitarian needs. The EU's potential cooperation, contingent on strict adherence to the UN framework, could represent a significant step toward stabilizing the situation. The cautious stance of major powers like China and Russia, evidenced by their abstention, highlights the complex diplomatic landscape surrounding this initiative.