Romania's President N. Danas announced his participation as an observer in the first meeting of the Peace Council scheduled for February 19 in Washington, D.C. This meeting is organized in the context of the reconstruction efforts for the Gaza Strip following two years of conflict between Israel and Hamas. President Danas stated that Romania is still deliberating on whether to join the council as a full member, which requires a substantial financial contribution of $1 billion, sparking discussions about the council's financial model and potential for being seen as a 'pay-for-play' version of the UN Security Council.

During his announcement on social media platform X, President Danas reaffirmed Romania's commitment to supporting international peace initiatives and its readiness to participate in the reconstruction process for Gaza. He emphasized the importance of collaboration in addressing the aftermath of the conflict and contributing to the region's stability. The Peace Council, chaired by President Trump, aims to facilitate recovery efforts and govern the ongoing developments within the region.

The decision to engage in the Washington negotiations stems from Romania's interest in being part of the strategic partnerships within the international community, particularly concerning peacekeeping efforts in volatile areas like the Gaza Strip. As the council's meeting approaches, it will be pivotal to see how Romania positions itself within this framework, along with the reactions from other nations regarding the financial obligations imposed by the council for full membership.