Andorra PM: EU Deal Signature on Oct 19 Has No Practical Effects

Andorran Prime Minister Xavier Espot has emphasised that the planned signature of the EU association agreement on 19 October will carry no practical consequences for Andorra, with a domestic referendum to follow only after European Parliament ratification.

Addressing local media by video link from New York, where he is attending the 81st UN General Assembly, Espot clarified that the signature itself would not trigger any immediate effects. He contrasted this with San Marino, which could apply the agreement provisionally post-signature, even before EU ratification. "For us, it has no concrete and practical consequences," Espot stated, adding that the sequence remains: signature without effects, EU ratification without effects, then referendum. A favourable referendum outcome would lead to consideration by the Consell General, potentially including changes to the treaties law for provisional application.

Espot reported that EU country representatives he met expressed full support for the agreement and committed to securing national parliamentary approvals. They voiced surprise at the significant reservations among Andorran citizens, describing the deal as "a good agreement, very asymmetric and very well negotiated from the perspective of Andorra's rights and interests."

He criticised certain opposition parties, such as Concòrdia and Andorra Endavant, for what he called dogmatic or extreme views that blame the EU or the rapprochement process for broader problems. European leaders, he said, found it hard to understand such opposition.

The trip also yielded bilateral progress. Espot raised double taxation avoidance agreements with Ireland's prime minister, noting few European countries remain without one. Foreign Affairs Minister Imma Tor discussed Andorra's status on Greece's non-cooperative jurisdictions list, the sole European holdout blocking a double taxation deal.

Espot joined other small European states' leaders to coordinate positions and boost visibility, stressing the importance of multilateral forums where nations like Andorra hold equal votes to larger powers. The association agreement continues to divide opinion domestically despite European endorsement.