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Belgian Foreign Minister Maxime Prevot accused U.S. President Donald Trump of trying to replace the United Nations system through a proposed “Board of Peace” intended to manage post-war Gaza.
Speaking to Euronews on Tuesday on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum in Davos, Prevot said Trump was attempting to “substitute the U.N. system” by creating what he described as a personal structure.
Prevot said it remains unclear how many leaders have been invited to join the Peace Council and confirmed that Belgium has not received an invitation.
Calling the project “completely unacceptable,” he said Trump was trying to establish his “own personal council.”
Trump began inviting world leaders to join the body on Jan. 16, proposing a $1 billion contribution in exchange for what he described as a bold and new approach to resolving global conflicts.
The initiative has prompted debate over whether the council could become a rival to the U.N. Security Council, established after World War II.
While acknowledging shortcomings within the U.N., Prevot said the solution lies in internal reform rather than creating alternative structures.
He pointed to the UN80 initiative, which aims to improve efficiency by merging certain U.N. bodies, and said new representation opportunities could be created within the Security Council for countries from Africa, Latin America and Asia.
“Defending international law is vital for a medium-sized country like Belgium,” Prévot said, adding that bypassing the U.N. was not an option Belgium would support.
Prevot said details regarding Peace Council membership are expected to be announced in the coming days, possibly during the Davos forum, which runs through Jan. 23.
Trump’s plans have added to tensions between the United States and European allies, alongside his recent statements hardening claims over Greenland and not ruling out the use of military force.
A French official close to President Emmanuel Macron said Monday that France, despite receiving an invitation, does not currently plan to join the Peace Council, citing concerns over respect for U.N. principles and institutional structures.
Reacting to reports that Macron would not participate, Trump told reporters that “nobody wants him” and claimed the French leader would soon be out of office.
He added that imposing a 200% tariff on French wine and champagne would prompt Macron to join, while saying participation was not mandatory.
Prevot also said Europe should strengthen its strategic autonomy, particularly in defense, technology and energy.
He warned against blind reliance on U.S.-provided security, saying such dependence could lead to a weakened Europe.
Referring to Belgium’s past reputation as lagging in NATO defense spending, Prevot said the country met the target of allocating 2% of gross domestic product (GDP) to defense last year and plans to continue increasing military expenditures.
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