Balkans: Kosovo and Albania among founders of the Board of Peace

The creation of the Board of Peace, launched by U.S. President Donald Trump at the World Economic Forum in Davos on January 22, 2026, has sparked mixed reactions in the international community. Presented as a new international organization for conflict management and the promotion of global peace, the Board of Peace was signed by around twenty countries. In the Western Balkans, only Albania and Kosovo received and accepted invitations, while the other countries have so far been excluded.

Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić stated that the Board of Peace risks further dividing Europe, as many EU countries are not participating or have not yet clarified their position.

Regarding Slovenia and Croatia, the two Western Balkan countries already in the EU, both received an invitation. Slovenia declined, citing the Board of Peace’s broad mandate, which could undermine the UN-based international order, while Croatia has so far deferred its decision.

Full article by Francesco Cortese on East Journal

Photo credits: https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/4/40/Board_of_Peace_Charter_Announcement_and_Signing_Ceremony_January_2026.jpg