Dialogos

France Expresses Surprise at European Commission's Participation in Peace Council

Published February 19, 2026, 17:01
France Expresses Surprise at European Commission's Participation in Peace Council

France has expressed its surprise regarding the participation of a representative from the European Commission in the Peace Council held in Washington. Spokesperson for the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Pascal Confavre, stated that the Commission does not have a mandate to represent EU member states at such meetings. France believes that the Peace Council should focus on the situation in the Gaza Strip, in accordance with the UN Security Council resolution, and will not participate until there is clarity regarding the Council's role and mandate. France emphasizes that the Commission's participation was unexpected and raises questions about its authority in this context. This statement indicates a disagreement between France and the European Commission regarding foreign policy and the representation of the EU in international meetings.