Andorran Leaders Unveil Rules for Binding EU Association Referendum

Andorran leaders from the State Pact on the EU association agreement have reaffirmed their political commitment to a referendum on the deal, presenting detailed regulations that make the outcome politically binding despite its constitutionally consultative status.

Prime Minister Xavier Espot, alongside Democrats leader Jordi Jordana and Progressistes-SDP representative Jaume Bartumeu, unveiled the rules on Wednesday. Espot described the vote as an "inexcusable" final step, stressing that the government would respect the result and not forward the agreement to the General Council for ratification without more "Yes" ballots than "No" ones. He emphasized that the regulations would not have been drafted without full intent to proceed, and the process will follow approval by all involved European institutions, including the European Parliament.

The framework, approved by the Council of Ministers under the Qualified Law on the Electoral Regime and Referendum, mirrors procedures for general elections. Andorran citizens aged 18 and over on the electoral roll may vote in person, by mail, judicial deposit, or delegation at parish polling stations. Ballots will include "Yes," "No," and blank options on a single question, with the government and General Council determining the date and wording. The 10- to 15-day campaign will be open to parties and voter groups gathering signatures from 0.5% of the census. Electoral boards, polling agents, public scrutiny by table, and government tallying will ensure transparency.

The vote will occur separately from general elections, though the exact timing remains undefined pending European approvals. Espot noted a broad information campaign must precede it, while Jordana argued existing laws suffice without reform, framing the commitment as a long-standing political pledge. Bartumeu acknowledged his party's earlier view that foreign policy and treaty ratification did not require public consultation, but it endorsed the referendum upon joining the Pact.

Concòrdia leader Cerni Escalé, attending the presentation, reiterated his party's plan to hold the vote within six months of taking office if needed and questioned the mid-summer timing.

No date has been fixed, with the agreement's European timeline potentially shifting.