Nine Small European States Formalize Alliance at Andorra Conference

European small states have formalized their alliance with a memorandum of understanding signed at the 19th Conference of Presidents of Parlaments of Small European States in Andorra, establishing the gathering as an official body with annual meetings.

The nine participating countries—Andorra, Cyprus, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, Montenegro, and San Marino—previously held informal encounters since the first conference in Monaco in 2006. Andorra's Síndic General, Carles Ensenyat, described the shift as giving the conference "a face and eyes," along with official representation in international delegations. He highlighted its role in upcoming Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) meetings this autumn in Andorra and efforts toward Council of Europe membership.

Ensenyat stressed the value of a unified voice for small states in global forums. "We can take steps so that the voice of the small states is coherent toward international institutions," he said, underscoring their one-vote equality despite size differences. The agreement ensures annual rotations, with Monaco expected next and Iceland afterward.

Divergent EU relations among members offer lessons: Luxembourg, Cyprus, and Malta are full members; Iceland and Liechtenstein belong to the European Economic Area; Montenegro seeks accession; Monaco has paused ties; while San Marino and Andorra pursue association agreements. Ensenyat called this diversity "a very rich universe from which we can all benefit reciprocally" by sharing experiences.

During the event, parliamentary leaders toured the Consell General and Casa de la Vall before two sessions on parliamentary diplomacy and balancing legislative-executive powers. Ensenyat noted smooth operations in both branches across nations but emphasized exchanging challenges and practices. "Each respects its proper role," he said, while advocating mutual learning from problems and solutions.

Participants identified shared vulnerabilities and negotiation preferences for conflicts, alongside opportunities like post-legislation evaluations. Ensenyat cautioned against wholesale adoption of others' models, given Andorra's unique position, but saw value in targeted inspirations.