Brussels: European Union foreign ministers met in Brussels on Monday with the head of a Trump backed international initiative aimed at shaping Gaza’s future, as global efforts continue to stabilize the war battered territory and plan for reconstruction.
Diplomats held talks with Nikolay Mladenov, director of the Board of Peace, a body promoted by United States President Donald J. Trump to help oversee ceasefire arrangements, governance and rebuilding efforts in Gaza after the conflict.
The meeting was chaired by EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas and brought together ministers from the 27 member bloc. The discussions focused on how the European Union could contribute to security, humanitarian aid and long term governance in Gaza.
The EU has long played a major role in Palestinian affairs. It is one of the largest donors to the Palestinian Authority and has previously helped monitor operations at the Rafah border crossing between Gaza and Egypt.
However, the Board of Peace has exposed divisions within the European bloc. Hungary and Bulgaria have joined as full members, while several countries including Germany, Italy, Poland, Greece and the Netherlands have taken observer roles. France and some other leaders have stopped short of full participation, raising concerns about the structure and mandate of the new body.
French officials have also criticized the European Commission for attending the board’s launch in Washington without full EU consensus, reflecting broader unease over how closely Europe should align with the initiative.
The Board of Peace is intended to coordinate international efforts to rebuild Gaza and support a postwar administrative structure. Supporters say it could accelerate reconstruction and stabilize the region. Critics worry it could sideline the United Nations and lacks clarity on security arrangements and political authority.
At the same time, European officials are exploring support for a transitional Palestinian civil administration that could manage basic services in Gaza during a recovery period under international supervision.
Despite ongoing diplomacy, major challenges remain. The ceasefire is fragile, the question of governance after Hamas remains unresolved and rebuilding Gaza will require massive funding and international coordination.
President Trump has pledged billions of dollars toward reconstruction and has proposed large scale redevelopment plans, but these ideas have drawn both interest and skepticism from international partners.
Monday’s meeting in Brussels underscored Europe’s strategic stake in Gaza’s future. The EU is balancing humanitarian concerns, regional security risks and political unity as it seeks to help shape a stable and workable path forward for the territory.