EU Council Approves Andorra-San Marino Association Agreement Text

The EU Council has approved the final text of the association agreement with Andorra and San Marino, along with the decision to sign it, paving the way for the next procedural steps.

This follows the Coreper committee's approval of the text and confirmation of its mixed character on Wednesday. Head of government Xavier Espot described the Council's endorsement as "another important and significant step," noting that the process is proceeding as planned. He announced that the government has now published the definitive version of the agreement, which Andorra, San Marino, and the European Commission are likely to sign in Brussels this autumn.

Espot maintained the expectation of signatures in September, after the 27 member states complete their formal approvals—a step he called relatively automatic and likely to move quickly following the Council's political green light. Signatures from Andorra, San Marino, and the Commission would follow. The agreement would then need ratification by the European Parliament and the parliaments of all 27 states, which can only approve or reject it in full.

Uncertainty remains over the European Parliament's timeline, with Espot admitting, "We don't know how long it will take," though he expressed confidence given prior analysis. He anticipates the process could require two to three months. The government is updating its pre-referendum communication campaign to account for delays, with the State Secretariat led by Landry Riba set to outline the schedule and content in September. Espot stressed the need for prior information, pedagogy, and explanations to ensure citizens can vote fully informed.

Andorra's consultative referendum—binding in effect—will follow European Parliament approval. Espot reiterated a step-by-step approach, avoiding a fixed date until ratification concludes. He noted it remains unclear whether the vote could align with the next general elections, depending on timing in December, January, February, or March.

Negotiations, initiated in 2015 after years of preparation, had stalled over issues including Catalan translation, legal status, and Bulgarian concerns regarding a San Marino bank. Coreper's recent endorsement cleared the remaining obstacles.

Opposition voices continue to urge an earlier referendum. Concòrdia MP Cerni Escalé called the text "consolidated and definitive" and favoured a vote before signing, possibly in September. Partit Socialdemòcrata's Susanna Vela supported an autumn ballot, while Progressistes SDP's Jaume Bartumeu saw 2026 as viable. Andorra Endavant echoed calls for speed.

Pro-government leaders expressed approval. Demòcrates head Jordi Jordana said it completed "the longest step," and Acció's Marc Magallón hailed it as "very good news."