The idea of a “Peace Council” was originally proposed by Trump last September as part of his plan to end the war in Gaza, although the initiative now seems to be aimed at mediating global conflicts more broadly, Euronews writes in this regard.
“Nobody wants him because he’s going to leave office very soon”, Trump said after learning from a journalist about Macron’s rejection. – “I will impose duties of 200% on his wines and champagnes and he will join, but he doesn’t have to join.
In 2024, French wine and spirits exports to the U.S. totaled nearly 3.8 billion euros, with a significant share coming from wine and champagne.
About a quarter of the value of French wine and spirits exports is accounted for by the US, making the country a strategic market for producers in France.
French Agriculture Minister Annie Genviard told French media: “At this stage, this is an unacceptable threat, unprecedentedly violent and obviously it cannot go without a reaction not only from France but from the entire European Union.”
According to a document on the creation of the “Peace Council” seen by Reuters, the draft charter sent by the U.S. to some 60 countries calls for members to contribute $1 billion in cash if they want their membership to last more than three years.
The charter envisions Trump becoming the inaugural chairman of the council and making membership decisions.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has been invited to join the council, along with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and others.
There are concerns that the council could undermine the structure of the United Nations, and the large number of invitations sent out also raises questions about the council’s mandate and decision-making processes.
