The article addresses Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez's response to selective meetings held prior to an upcoming European Council summit. It contrasts his previous endorsement of a similar gathering in June 2019 with his recent objections to a retreat organized by Germany, Italy, and Belgium involving 19 nations, framing these as detrimental to the perception of a unified Europe. The article suggests that such exclusive negotiations are becoming increasingly common as EU countries struggle to achieve consensus on various issues.

Furthermore, the article highlights a significant challenge for the EU, noting that 83% of its competitiveness data is inaccurate. This underlines a broader issue within the European Union regarding regulatory quality and effectiveness, as member states navigate complex negotiations aimed at enhancing collaboration and competitiveness in light of these data deficiencies. Sánchez's government is portrayed as lagging in regulatory quality, which could impact Spain's standing within Europe.

In conclusion, the implications of these selective meetings and the reliability of EU data are profound, raising questions about the future of European integration and the influence of dominant countries in the EU framework. The dynamics at play could result in a 'multi-speed Europe' if member states continue to lean towards exclusive negotiations, potentially sidelining countries that are struggling with regulatory frameworks, such as Spain.