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 following a Pacte d'Estat meeting. The step will finalise negotiations and begin the ratification process, though it alters nothing about the timeline for the agreement's entry into force.

Espot stressed that a referendum can only follow ratification by the European Parliament, which he views as unlikely in December but possible in January. Any vote beforehand would hinge on sufficient lead time for an information campaign—at least matching the length of general election periods—to avoid clashing with upcoming polls. With the Consell General unlikely to extend to its maximum term, the window is narrowing.

"If the conditions aren't met, we won't hold it this legislature," Espot said, adding that a future government would decide if schedules overlap. He described the process, once seen as straightforward, as increasingly politicised and divisive, rejecting any rushed consultation. The issue, he noted, could shape electoral alliances, particularly among parties with differing EU stances, such as Concòrdia and the PS. Espot questioned Concòrdia's position as poorly defined, despite its frequent emphasis on drawbacks.

The Pacte d'Estat session initiated plans for a post-signing communication drive, to be detailed next month. It granted observer status to the Associació de Pagesos (APRA) due to the deal's effects on primary sectors, requiring their signature on the standard observer agreement. The Unió Sindical d'Andorra (USdA) sent no delegate and has not withdrawn.

Espot warned that scrapping the agreement under a new administration would forfeit a key opportunity with lasting repercussions for Andorra, pointing to Canada's pursuit of similar EU ties as proof of its merits. He predicted the topic would loom large in elections, potentially penalising opponents like Concòrdia.