First countries join Trump's Peace Council amid criticism and concerns
In the media image: Library of Congress on Unsplash
Twelve countries have signed Donald Trump's new 'Council of Peace' in Davos. Experts including Nico Schrijver, emeritus professor of public international law, warn that the initiative could undermine the UN and give too much power to one leader.
In Davos, representatives of a first group of countries signed the founding act of the Peace Council proposed by President Trump. It is intended to promote peace, stability and good governance in conflict areas. The council stems from the peace plan that applied specifically to Gaza and was enshrined in a UN Security Council resolution of 14 November 2025. Trump is now suddenly broadening Gaza's scope of activity to conflict zones in general and speaks of an ambitious project that ‘everyone wants to join’ and in which – once the council is formed – ‘we can do just about anything we want.’
But this initiative and its new set-up has already been met with criticism. Schrijver has 'looked on in amazement' and calls it 'grotesque' and a 'rash move away from the UN'. He warns that the structure of the council almost resembles 'an alternative parallel and somewhat ghostly construction of the Security Council, but with one chairman: Trump; one working language, namely English; and the headquarters in Trump's Mar-a-Lago country residence.’ Schrijver argues that European countries should not allow themselves to be played off against one another, but should also not ignore Trump's initiative entirely, as it may help prevent worse outcomes. A common European position should emphasise that the Peace Council must be linked to multilateral treaties and international legal principles. Schrijver also argues that Maria Klaas, vice-president of the European Commission and EU foreign policy chief, should join the council as a European envoy.