The European Union (EU) is set to participate in the opening session of U.S. President Donald Trump's Peace Council as an observer, according to a spokesperson for the EU. This meeting, which is specifically focused on the Gaza Strip, will be attended by EU Commissioner for Mediterranean Affairs, Dubravka Šuica, who will represent the EU. The decision for the EU's involvement indicates an ongoing commitment to pursuing a ceasefire in Gaza and supporting its reconstruction, though it will not seek official membership in the council.

The Peace Council, chaired by Trump, was initially established to oversee the ceasefire and reconstruction efforts in Gaza following the conflict between Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas. However, since its formation, the council's objectives have expanded to encompass the resolution of various international conflicts, raising concerns about Trump’s intentions to create a rival organization to the United Nations in handling global issues.

Many EU member states have expressed reservations about the council's potential influence on international peace efforts and the implications of U.S. unilateralism in foreign policy. As the EU navigates its role in this new framework, the upcoming meeting may significantly affect its diplomatic approaches and relationships with both the U.S. and nations in conflict regions such as the Middle East.