Andorra Union USdA Quits EU State Pact Over Unheld Referendum

The Unió Sindical d’Andorra (USdA) has left the State Pact on the EU association agreement, citing the government's failure to commit to a referendum before the end of the current legislative term.

USdA Secretary General Gabriel Ubach announced the withdrawal on Friday morning in interviews with local media, including El Periódic and Diari d’Andorra. He described the decision as final, pointing to recent comments from Head of Government Xavier Espot that failed to confirm the vote could occur during this legislature. The union had joined the pact four years ago—initially under former Head of Government Jaume Bartumeu—on condition that the public consultation take place by the term's close.

Ubach argued that no justification exists for remaining in a pact where commitments have been ignored. He attributed the delay to partisan interests ahead of the next general elections, expected between March and April 2027. “We have fought for four years to hold this referendum,” he said, while stressing the union’s neutrality on the outcome. USdA would respect any result, he added, as the core issue was the government's breach of promise.

The union leader criticized Demòcrates (DA)—alongside Ciutadans Compromès and Unió Parlamentària—for treating the pact as a party-led initiative with the EU, rather than a broad national consensus. He noted that despite ample time and efforts on other legislation, no firm date has emerged, even after pre-summer assurances.

Notice of the exit has gone to DA. USdA has rejected civil society efforts to push the vote beyond the elections but indicated it might reassess if a specific date is set beforehand. “First the day and time, then we discuss,” Ubach said, warning against letting delays turn the matter into an electoral ploy.

The union plans to keep advocating for the referendum without taking a position, to ensure voters decide before the polls.