Romania Declines Trump’s “Board of Peace” as Hungary, Bulgaria Sign On in Davos

US President Donald Trump unveiled a new international initiative at the World Economic Forum in Davos on January 22, 2026, announcing the creation of the “Board of Peace” – a body presented as a direct mechanism for addressing major global conflicts, including the wars in Gaza and Ukraine.

According to the announcement made in Davos, Trump signed the board’s charter alongside leaders from more than 20 countries. Within the EU, Hungary’s Prime Minister Viktor Orbán and representatives from Bulgaria were the only European Union participants to formally join at the launch.

Romania, despite receiving a direct invitation days earlier, did not attend the Davos signing. President Nicușor Dan confirmed receipt of the invitation but stated that Romania would not take part until a broader institutional review is completed. The review, according to Dan’s position, is intended to evaluate Romania’s commitments and alignment with existing frameworks, including those of the EU, NATO, and the United Nations.

The structure of the Board of Peace has already triggered debate. The initiative reportedly includes three-year terms for most members, permanent seats for states contributing $1 billion annually, and an indefinite chairmanship held by Trump himself.

Within Romania’s governing coalition, Social Democratic Party figures signalled support for a positive approach. Sorin Grindeanu publicly framed the potential participation as an opportunity to strengthen the strategic partnership with the United States, Romania’s key ally since the post-9/11 period.

Foreign Minister Oana Țoiu also referenced Romania’s historical relationship with the US, while insisting the matter should be discussed at the EU level before any final national commitment is made.

Romania’s pause comes as regional neighbours move quickly to align with Trump’s initiative, a decision seen by critics as a political and strategic bet in a highly polarised international environment. Trump’s proposal is also being watched with scepticism by those who view it as an attempt to bypass existing multilateral structures, including the UN.

Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is among the leaders publicly cautious of alternative forums that could create space for negotiations favourable to Moscow.

Romania has not yet provided a timeline for its final decision. The move, once clarified, is likely to be treated as a major signal of Bucharest’s positioning during Trump’s second term and amid shifting geopolitical pressure across Europe.