Those invited for consultation include Jacques Delors, a former long-serving president of the European Commission (1985-1994) who is seen as one of the fathers of Europe.
Felipe González, a former Spanish prime minister (1982-1996) and chairman of a reflection group on the future of Europe will also join in, alongside former Spanish Commissioner Pedro Solbes (1999-2004).
Joaquín Almunia, Spain's current commissioner, had also been invited but was unable to attend, the daily El País writes.
The meeting's priority is to make progress on the first objective of the Spanish EU Presidency, namely reinforcing a "European economic government" and improving coordination of the EU's common policies in economic affairs and employment, the Spanish daily says.
Zapatero intends to take advice on the future coordination of tax policies and reform of financial supervision, the article continues.
The Spanish prime minister also seeks to push for the introduction of a 'Systemic Risk Council', a new body designed to alert the Union about possible crises similar to the one which began with the mortgage bubble.
As for tax policy, Spain will push for the adoption of three directives regarding the exchange of tax information, aimed at stepping up the fight against tax fraud in all EU countries.
Zapatero is an admirer of Jacques Delors, El País writes. In a recent interview with EurActiv, Delors expressed bitterness towards his native France, which kept him on the sidelines during the recent institutional negotiations (EurActiv 03/12/09).
Spanish Foreign Minister Miguel Angel Moratinos told EurActiv recently that the reflection group will present its report during the 17-18 June EU summit, to be held during the Spanish Presidency.
In June, Spain will also celebrate 25 years since the signing of its EU accession treaty, EurActiv Spain writes. The country, which has benefited enormously from EU membership, is widely seen as one of the greatest promoters of the advance of EU integration.
EU sources told EurActiv that the group's president, Felipe González, was bitter about the fact that EU leaders had not entrusted him to dwell on the future boundaries of Europe by 2030. France in particular was opposed to this as a result of uncertainty surrounding Turkey's relationship with the EU, the sources added.
