EU diplomats to meet Board of Peace director on Gaza's future

EU foreign ministers and policy chief Kaja Kallas will meet Board of Peace director Nikolay Mladenov in Brussels to discuss Gaza's reconstruction and related topics; the meeting follows debate within the EU over engagement with the U.S.-led board.

European Union foreign ministers and the EU foreign policy chief are scheduled to meet in Brussels with Nikolay Mladenov, the director of the U.S.-backed Board of Peace. The meeting comes after the board's inaugural session in Washington, which produced mixed reactions among EU member states and observers. Officials say the talks will address Gaza reconstruction alongside broader foreign policy matters. Key points: - EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas and foreign ministers from the 27-member bloc will meet Nikolay Mladenov in Brussels on Monday. - The Board of Peace, formed under a U.S. initiative and led by Mladenov, prompted differing responses within the EU; several member states joined as members or observers while some leaders declined participation. - Expected topics include Gaza reconstruction, the EU's role at the Rafah border crossing and support for the Palestinian Authority, as well as discussions on the war in Ukraine and possible new sanctions on Russia. Summary: The meeting provides a forum for EU leaders to clarify their stance on engaging with the U.S.-led Board of Peace and to discuss coordination on Gaza reconstruction and other foreign policy issues. Undetermined at this time.