Davos, Switzerland - January 22, 2026 In a move that has sparked significant domestic and international debate, Bulgaria has officially joined the "Board of Peace," a high-profile international initiative launched by U.S. President Donald Trump. The charter was signed by Bulgaria’s outgoing Prime Minister, Rosen Zhelyazkov, during the World Economic Forum in Davos on Thursday, January 22, 2026. The Board of Peace is a U.S.-led organization established to promote regional stability, manage the reconstruction of conflict zones - most notably the Gaza Strip - and provide an alternative framework for international diplomacy. President Trump, who serves as the lifelong Chairman of the Board, has described the initiative as a "more nimble and effective" successor to traditional international bodies. Bulgaria stands out as one of only two European Union member states, alongside Hungary, to accept the invitation to become a founding member. The decision was underscored by the appointment of prominent Bulgarian diplomat Nickolay Mladenov as the High Representative for Gaza, a key role within the Board’s executive structure. Political Reactions in Sofia While Prime Minister Zhelyazkov emphasized that membership carries no mandatory financial obligations and aims to enhance Bulgaria’s geopolitical standing, the move has met with sharp criticism at home. Opposition parties, including "Yes, Bulgaria," have labeled the decision a "foreign policy blunder," arguing that it deviates from the European Union’s common foreign policy and aligns Bulgaria with more authoritarian-leaning regimes also present on the Board. International Context The Board of Peace currently includes a diverse group of nations such as Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Argentina, and Kazakhstan. However, many Western European allies have remained cautious, citing concerns over the Board’s potential to undermine United Nations mechanisms. The Bulgarian government is expected to submit the Board of Peace charter to Parliament for ratification next week. If approved, Bulgaria will participate in the Board’s annual voting meetings, contributing to strategic decisions on international reconstruction and security. SHOTLIST: 00:00 min – Various of Board of Peace forum; 00:21 min – Rosen Jeliazkov – Bulgarian PM, saying (Bulgarian): "Today, Bulgaria joined the Board of Peace under the patronage of the United States and President Trump personally. It is an exceptional honor and pride for us that Nikolay Mladenov is the High Representative for Gaza. For many years, Nikolay Mladenov has worthily represented Bulgaria as the UN Special Envoy for the Middle East, and we believe that under his leadership, a lasting and sustainable peace will be established in Gaza."; 02:34 min – Rosen Jeliazkov – Bulgarian PM, saying (Bulgarian): "Yesterday, the Bulgarian government gave me a mandate to sign the accession to the Board; however, this is not definitive as a subsequent ratification is required. This is in accordance with the Law on International Treaties, and as early as next week, a ratification bill will be introduced to the National Assembly to obtain approval and for this accession to take effect. I want to emphasize that there is no financial commitment for Bulgaria. I repeat – there is no financial commitment for Bulgaria."; 04:21 min – Rosen Jeliazkov – Bulgarian PM, saying (Bulgarian): "For many years, for decades, the Middle East has been a cradle of tension and conflicts that create a prerequisite for instability and insecurity not only in the region but in the entire world."