French Senator Questions Delay in Andorra Healthcare Ratification

French Senator Jean Sol has formally questioned France's Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs on the planned timeline for parliamentary ratification of a cross-border healthcare cooperation agreement with Andorra.

Signed on 17 March 2023 by the French government and Andorra's executive, the framework accord requires French parliamentary approval to create a full legal structure for medical collaboration between the two countries. Drawing from a similar France-Spain arrangement in place since 2008, it aims to remove border obstacles to patient care, allowing seamless treatment continuity and enabling health professionals to work across the divide.

In his interpellation, Sol specifically asked when the government intends to place the text on the parliamentary ratification schedule, a critical move to enable practical rollout of the cooperation. The query highlights ongoing delays, as the agreement has yet to receive French legislative endorsement more than two years after signing.

The deal responds to regional demands, given Andorra's reliance on nearby French facilities such as those in Perpignan and Toulouse. Without ratification, its measures remain stalled, limiting advantages for patients and staff in border areas. French officials have not issued a public reply to Sol's request.