EU EFTA Group Fails Unanimity on Andorra Association Agreement's Legal Nature

The EFTA working group within the EU Council failed to reach unanimity on Tuesday over the legal nature of Andorra's association agreement with the European Union, stalling progress and disrupting the anticipated timeline.

The lack of consensus among EU member states prevented the dossier from advancing to the Coreper committee of permanent representatives, a necessary step before review by the Council of the EU. No new meeting date has been set with the agreement on the agenda, leaving the process uncertain. Government sources indicate three countries, including Germany and Bulgaria, maintain reservations for further study, though Spain no longer opposes classifying the agreement as mixed—an arrangement that would require ratification by all 27 member states' parliaments.

This development follows recent optimism. Head of Government Xavier Espot had suggested a definitive Council decision on content and legal nature this spring, paving the way for signatures by Andorra, San Marino, and the European Commission as early as July or, at latest, September. Only after European Parliament ratification could Andorra call a politically binding referendum. Minister Spokesperson Guillem Casal acknowledged possible "incidences" in the calendar on Wednesday, noting the EFTA group has not yet agreed unanimously. He stressed that Andorra and San Marino lack control, as timing depends on EU states, and downplayed Bulgaria's banking issues, insisting they pose no concern or alteration to the content.

Casal confirmed negotiations concluded, with only minor polishing left, but the text must still clear EFTA, Coreper, and the Council before any signature—which would stabilise but not activate the agreement. The Cypriot presidency of the EU Council, ending June 30, had shown strong interest in advancing the matter.

Espot has repeatedly cautioned against precise dates, citing uncontrollable variables that could shift timelines. The setback cancels prior plans, such as a potential Coreper vote this week and Council approval on May 11, which might have enabled signing within six to eight weeks. Authorities now await rescheduling of EFTA discussions.