Madrid left out of pre-summit discussions called by Rome and Berlin regarding the EU’s economic future
Spain has leveled accusations against Italy and Germany for “undermining EU solidarity” following its exclusion from an informal pre-summit gathering organized by Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and Chancellor Friedrich Merz to plan the bloc’s economic trajectory.
The private meeting occurred on Thursday at Belgium’s Alden Biesen castle, hosted by Italy’s Meloni, Germany’s Merz, and Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever. Nineteen nations participated, including France, Poland, the Netherlands, and Hungary. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen was also in attendance. Spain was the sole major EU member state left out.
Government sources in Madrid informed media outlets that they had lodged a complaint with Rome over the exclusion—not to seek an invitation, but to contend that such side agreements “push solutions further away” rather than fostering European unity.
The agenda, detailed in a joint Italian-German-Belgian document, centered on several key areas: finishing the Single Market, streamlining regulations, reducing energy costs, and an “ambitious and pragmatic” trade strategy. Leaders also talked about adjusting emissions fees and industrial revival measures. Participants decided to reconvene during the March European Council.
Spain has previously expressed backing for policies that clash with the Italian-German proposals, such as eurobonds, “Made in Europe” procurement preferences, and a slower rollout of the EU-South American Mercosur trade deal—this agreement seeks to create a free trade zone for 700 million consumers.
The Italian-German initiative comes amid mounting industrial decline in the EU. Officials point out that three pillars supporting Europe’s post-Cold War model—affordable Russian energy, open access to China, and the U.S. security umbrella—have crumbled.
The bloc’s most energy-intensive industries now face permanently higher costs than before the Ukraine conflict. The chemical sector has shed 20,000 jobs, while labor productivity has dropped to 78.5% of U.S. levels, according to data from the European Commission.