Berlin, Germany – The German government announced that Chancellor Friedrich Merz will leave Switzerland early Thursday morning, preventing him from attending the signing ceremony for the “Peace Council” proposed by US President Donald Trump on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum in Davos.
A German government spokesperson said Wednesday that Berlin had informed the US side of Merz’s decision to leave early. The spokesperson also confirmed Germany’s appreciation for the invitation to join the council. The spokesperson added that the German government is carefully considering the US proposal and will respond in due course, without elaborating further on the nature of its participation or Berlin’s final position on the initiative.
The spokesperson explained that the Chancellor’s absence from the signing ceremony was due to prior commitments, not to any direct political reservations about the council’s concept or objectives. He emphasized that Germany continues to view positively any initiatives aimed at supporting stability and enhancing the prospects for peace, particularly in light of escalating international challenges.
The Berlin announcement comes at a time when the proposed “Peace Council” is receiving mixed reactions from several countries participating in the Davos Forum. Some capitals have expressed interest in joining, while others have raised questions regarding the council’s operational mechanisms, roles, and powers.
US President Donald Trump had proposed the idea of forming a “Peace Council” to contribute to finding political solutions to international crises, including the war in Gaza, inviting several countries to join the initiative. In this context, countries such as Pakistan announced their acceptance of the invitation and their participation in the council. Meanwhile, reports indicated reservations or difficulties among some European countries.
Germany’s position is seen as reflecting a cautious approach to new international initiatives. It has also emphasized the importance of studying the legal and political frameworks before making a final decision. The details of German participation are expected to become clearer in the coming period, after the completion of internal consultations and communication with international partners.
