Andorra to Sign EU Association Agreement on Oct 19 in Brussels

Andorra will sign its Association Agreement with the European Union on 19 October in Brussels alongside San Marino, Head of Government Xavier Espot confirmed after a Pacte d'Estat meeting on Wednesday. The signing aims to stabilise the text and conclude negotiations, but provisional application remains impossible without domestic legislation—unlike San Marino—and requires European Parliament ratification, a referendum, and final approval by the Consell General.

Espot made clear the signing changes nothing about the agreement's entry into force. Ratification by the European Parliament, potentially in December or January though uncertain, must precede any referendum discussion. He insisted on sufficient time for an information campaign at least as long as general election periods, allowing citizen groups—eligible for funding—to campaign for or against. Without those conditions, no vote will occur this legislature, though the process could continue later.

"If the conditions are not met, we will not hold it this legislature; that does not mean it will not happen, but the difficulties are increasingly greater," Espot stated. He left the door slightly ajar but signalled no referendum before general elections, saying a future government would decide if timelines clash. Espot expressed determination to advance the project without "making a fool of myself," invoking a Tarradellas quote on avoiding political ridicule, and warned opponents not to worry prematurely as the agreement cannot apply provisionally without a vote.

The Pacte d'Estat meeting launched planning for a new communication campaign post-signing, to be finalised next month. It approved the Associació de Pagesos (APRA) as an observer, given the agreement's impact on primary sectors, provided they sign the same document as other observers. The Unió Sindical d'Andorra (USdA) sent no representative and has not formally withdrawn.

Espot voiced concern over a potential next government abandoning the deal, calling it a "lost opportunity" with medium- to long-term consequences for Andorra. He cited Canada's interest in EU associate status as evidence of the agreement's value and predicted it would dominate elections, potentially swaying voters against parties like Concòrdia for their opposition.