Andorra and Croatia Sign Youth Mobility Agreement

Andorra and Croatia signed a youth mobility agreement on Tuesday, allowing people aged 18 to 30 from both nations to live and work in the other for up to 12 months, with simplified entry procedures and the option for a one-year extension. Dubbed a Work and Holiday programme, it permits occasional employment to fund stays.

The pact was formalised by Foreign Affairs Minister Imma Tor and her Croatian counterpart Gordan Grlić Radman during his official visit to Andorra, which commemorates 30 years of diplomatic relations. Participants need a passport valid for at least 15 months, full medical insurance, adequate funds, a return ticket or equivalent means, and a clean criminal record.

Tor described the deal as advancing Andorra's strategy to foster exchanges among young people from European and worldwide nations, both EU members and others. She called it a further strengthening of the countries' excellent ties, following a 2022 double taxation treaty and a general cooperation agreement. Tor highlighted its benefits for Andorran youth gaining professional and personal experiences in Croatia, a culturally close but geographically and historically distinct Mediterranean nation. No quotas apply; uptake will follow demand at sustainable levels, akin to other programmes where participants report positive outcomes despite modest interest.

Grlić Radman positioned the agreement amid broader political, economic and institutional ties. He voiced strong backing for Andorra's EU association process, pledging to share Croatia's accession insights, plus expertise in diplomatic training, energy and tourism. He cited Croatia's independence from Russian gas via its Krk liquefied natural gas terminal, from which it exports to neighbours like Bosnia and Herzegovina and Hungary, and offered potential supplies to Andorra. Grlić Radman also praised MEP Željana Zovko, a Bosnian Croat and former ambassador to Andorra, for championing the association accord in the European Parliament.

The visit featured meetings with Head of Government Xavier Espot, General Syndic Carles Ensenyat, Tourism Minister Jordi Torres and Andorra Turisme director Betim Budzaku. It ends this evening with a concert by Croatian pianist Goran Filipec at Andorra Congrés Centre Ordino.

The agreement takes effect after domestic approvals in both countries, with operations slated for the first half of 2026. Andorra runs similar schemes with the UK, Germany, Canada, South Korea, Iceland and Ireland, and has a pending deal with Australia.