EU Commissioner Confirms Andorra and San Marino to Sign Association Agreements on October 19

EU Commissioner Confirms Association Agreement Signing with Andorra and San Marino on October 19

European Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič has confirmed that Andorra and San Marino will sign their association agreement with the European Union on October 19, aligning with remarks made the previous day by Andorran Head of Government Xavier Espot.

In a post on X, Šefčovič expressed enthusiasm about welcoming his counterparts from Andorra and San Marino for the ceremony, describing it as "a significant step forward in strengthening our ties." The event marks a key milestone nearly three years after political negotiations concluded in December 2023, following a process that began formally in March 2015.

The agreement, which deepens Andorra's ties to the EU bloc, encountered delays due to technical issues such as translating the text into all official EU languages, including Catalan. Its classification as a mixed agreement also necessitated approvals from EU member states' parliaments and relevant regional legislatures.

Espot's announcement came during a Wednesday meeting of the State Pact on Europe, where members reviewed ratification progress and broader Andorran viewpoints. The pact now involves additional non-political participants beyond the initial signatories. The USdA trade union confederation, however, has withdrawn from the pact, citing dissatisfaction with the decision to forgo a referendum on the deal this legislative term.

While the October 19 signing advances the process, it will not trigger immediate entry into force in Andorra, as ratification procedures must still follow. Further details on the ceremony await official confirmation.