In a press conference held on Wednesday morning in Davos, Sweden’s Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson announced that his country will not be joining Donald Trump’s “peace council.”
“We will discuss this with our EU partners, but, as it stands now, Sweden will not sign on,” Kristersson stated, as reported by Aftonbladet.
Earlier on the same day, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed his intention to participate in the council, a move that has already drawn attention.
### Sixty Nations Invited
The council has extended invitations to 60 nations, yet notable absences include Norway, which, like France, has opted out. France’s rejection stems from concerns that the council’s founding document extends far beyond its original mandate focused on the reconstruction and governance of Gaza. Indeed, Gaza’s mention in the founding text is deemed unwarranted by French officials.
In principle, participants can serve on the council for a maximum of three years. However, a permanent seat can be secured by contributing $1 billion.
Described in its founding document as “an international organization that will promote stability, restore reliable and law-based governance, and ensure lasting peace in areas affected by or threatened by conflict,” the council aims for ambitious goals amid a contentious backdrop.
### Chaired by Trump
Notably, Donald Trump will personally chair the council, stepping outside the usual role of a sitting President of the United States. The document stipulates that Trump will remain in this position for as long as he wishes, with removal contingent upon a unanimous decision by the board, which must determine that he is no longer fit for the role.
As these developments unfold, the international community will be watching closely to see how the dynamics of this proposed council shape global diplomacy in the months to come.