Socialists Slam European Commission Over Participation in Trump’s Controversial "Board of Peace"

European Socialists have lashed out at the European Commission for joining President Trump’s "Board of Peace," calling it a threat to EU values.

By: AXL Media

Published: Feb 17, 2026, 9:29 AM EST

Source: Information for this report was sourced from Euractiv

Political Backlash in Brussels

The European Commission's involvement with the "Board of Peace" has sparked a fierce row in the European Parliament. Members of the Socialist and Democrat (S&D) group expressed shock that the EU executive would align so closely with a body led by the Trump administration. Critics view the board as a vehicle for transactional diplomacy that bypasses traditional multilateral institutions, potentially leaving the EU as a junior partner in global affairs.

Concerns Over Strategic Autonomy

Socialist leaders argue that participation in this initiative contradicts the EU’s stated goal of achieving strategic autonomy. They fear that by joining the board, the Commission is effectively ceding control over European security and foreign policy interests to Washington. This dependency is particularly worrying for those who believe the EU should maintain a distinct voice on issues ranging from trade with China to the future of Middle Eastern stability.

Demand for Accountability

The S&D group is calling for an immediate debate to clarify the terms of this engagement. They are questioning whether the Commission president had the mandate to commit the institution to such a partnership. As tensions rise, the debate highlights the deep ideological rift within the EU regarding how to manage a resurgent "America First" foreign policy while protecting the bloc’s long term interests.