Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez will not participate in a key preparatory meeting for an upcoming summit that Germany and Italy have organized, which will also see France attending despite its differences with other participants. This meeting aims to establish a common stance among at least fifteen European countries regarding economic competitiveness ahead of the summit set for Thursday at Alden Biesen Castle in Belgium.

The absence of Spain, the only major EU country not represented, has raised concerns about its influence in key discussions as nearly all other significant nations gather to negotiate shared priorities. The President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, is confirmed to attend the meeting, further underscoring the meeting's significance in shaping the future economic policies of the region.

Sources from the Spanish government indicate that Sánchez will only attend the main summit convened by European Council President Antonio Costa, leaving questions about Spain's strategy and positioning within the EU as discussions on economic competitiveness unfold without its participation in these preparatory talks.