Italy is taking a divergent path from the European Union by participating in the controversial Peace Board proposed by U.S. President Donald Trump. This board aims to address the ongoing conflict in Gaza and potentially other global issues, marking a significant diplomatic maneuver for the Italian government. Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni is positioning herself as Trump's ally in Europe, which presents challenges as she also seeks to uphold her country's leadership role within EU institutions in Brussels.

The Vatican, in a deliberate show of its own diplomatic stance, has distanced itself from this development by reaffirming its commitment to the United Nations, aggravating tensions with the White House, which criticized the Vatican's position as "deeply regrettable." This situation illustrates a rift within traditional European unity, with Italy's participation highlighting discrepancies in how member states approach international conflicts and align with U.S. initiatives.

As the only major EU country to attend the Peace Board, Italy's involvement could have broader implications for European diplomatic relations and its internal politics. By sending Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani to the meeting in Washington, Meloni's government may be attempting to bolster its international profile, but this move is also fraught with the risk of alienating key partners within the EU, potentially leading to long-term consequences for Italy's role in the bloc.