In Belgium, at Alden Biesen castle, an important summit of European leaders took place without the participation of Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, raising eyebrows about Spain's exclusion. Nineteen leaders, including German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, Italian President Giorgia Meloni, and Belgian Prime Minister Bart de Wever, met to coordinate their strategies ahead of a broader summit involving all 27 EU member states. Spain's government expressed its discontent, stating that such bilateral initiatives compromise the unity and foundational values of the European Union.

The absence of Spain at this gathering is seen as particularly significant, considering the intentions behind the summit, which were to align positions on various key topics affecting European policy. The Spanish leadership has articulated concerns that the formation of such exclusive groups could diminish collaborative efforts, ultimately leading to fragmented relations among EU states. They contacted Italy, one of the key organizers, to express their disappointment and underline their commitment to collective decision-making within the EU framework.

This incident underscores the friction that can arise within the EU over issues of representation and inclusivity. Spain's response highlights its desire to maintain a cohesive dialogue amongst nations rather than allowing smaller group meetings to dictate the pace and direction of EU policy. The implications of these tensions could affect Spain's influence within the EU, requiring careful navigation in diplomatic relations with both allies and rivals in the bloc.