Portugal's PM Urges Andorra to Seal EU Deal Before Brussels Priority Shift

Portugal's Prime Minister Luís Montenegro urged Andorra to finalise its association agreement with the European Union during an official visit to the Principat, warning that delays could see the issue lose priority in Brussels.

Speaking at a press conference alongside Head of Government Xavier Espot following their meeting, Montenegro stressed that the EU has invested heavily in the accord over the past decade. He highlighted the risk that failure to conclude it now might relegate it amid other pressing priorities. The Portuguese leader expressed confidence that conditions exist to achieve unanimity among the 27 member states next week, paving the way for urgent finalisation within eight days at upcoming Brussels meetings. This would lead to approval by the European Commission, European Parliament, and likely ratification by national parliaments.

Montenegro described the agreement as essential for Andorra's economic and social progress, particularly in diversifying into technology, enhancing competitiveness, and improving mobility. He noted Andorra's inescapable European context and shared strategic interests with the EU, stating that both Andorra and Europe would emerge stronger from the deal.

Espot thanked Portugal for its unwavering support throughout the negotiations. Addressing calls for an immediate referendum—driven by an online signature campaign backed by opposition parties including Concòrdia and Andorra Endavant—he argued it would be pointless and imprudent to hold a vote on an unconsolidated text. He reiterated that the referendum would follow European Parliament approval, with no agreement proceeding without public consultation, and pledged to respect citizens' views. Espot expressed surprise at the urgency from groups opposed to the accord.

Opposition reactions were mixed. Demòcrates per Andorra's Berna Coma, chair of the General Council's Foreign Affairs committee, welcomed Montenegro's message as positive, saying it would open doors for Andorran youth and businesses in Europe. Partit Socialdemòcrata's Laia Moliné echoed this, viewing it as confirmation from EU insiders of the deal's benefits and urging diplomacy to resolve current unanimity hurdles.

Conversely, Andorra Endavant leader Carine Montaner called it a "monumental and historic error" to delay the referendum until after EU signature, advocating consultation first to avoid building "the house from the roof." Concòrdia's Cerni Escalé deemed proceeding without a vote risky, citing polls showing majority opposition and the government's 32% electoral support representing just 6,000 valid votes.

The visit coincided with the reopening of Portugal's consulate in Andorra. Espot announced Andorra's backing for Portugal's candidacy as a non-permanent UN Security Council member for 2027-2028.

Foreign Affairs Minister Imma Tor and Portuguese Ambassador to Andorra José Augusto Duarte signed a new police cooperation agreement, bolstering technical collaboration on crime prevention, border control, migration flows, civil protection, road safety, and arms regulation. This adds to 15 existing bilateral pacts covering areas like mobility, social security, and education.