Nickolay Mladenov: the Bulgarian leading the Board of Peace
Deutsche Welle
February 25, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Nickolay Mladenov, a seasoned Bulgarian diplomat, has been appointed as the director-general of Donald Trump's Board of Peace and High Representative for Gaza, tasked with overseeing a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, implementing the US-brokered 20-point peace plan, and rebuilding Gaza while disarming Hamas. Known for his role as the UN Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process from 2015 to 2020, Mladenov has built a reputation as an honest broker who has earned trust from both Israeli and Palestinian leaders by addressing tensions impartially.
Mladenov's career began in Bulgaria, where he served as a lawmaker and later as foreign minister. During his tenure, he expanded Bulgaria's Middle East relations, particularly with countries like Tunisia, Egypt, and Iraq. His expertise in the region was crucial during the 2012 Burgas Airport suicide bombing, which he handled by collaborating closely with Israeli officials. After leaving his Bulgarian role, he worked as the UN Special Representative for Iraq and later as the UN's Middle East Peace Process envoy.
In his UN capacity, Mladenov focused on de-escalating tensions and promoting stability in the region. He played a key role in championing the 2020 Abraham Accords, which normalized relations between Israel and several Arab nations. Despite criticism from Palestinian groups, Mladenov believed these accords would bring greater regional stability. His tenure was marked by his willingness to critique actions by both Israeli and Palestinian parties, including settlement expansions and rocket attacks on civilians.
Now, as Trump's Board of Peace director-general, Mladenov faces an immense challenge: balancing diverse geopolitical interests while advancing a peace plan that could reshape the Middle East. His ability to navigate complex relationships and maintain trust with key players will be crucial in determining whether this ambitious initiative succeeds. For readers interested in global affairs and the ongoing quest for peace in the Middle East, Mladenov's role highlights the delicate diplomacy required to address one of the world's most pressing conflicts.
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Originally published on Deutsche Welle on 2/25/2026