Spain's Foreign Minister to Visit Andorra to Finalize EU Border Agreement

Spain's Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares is set to visit Andorra on Monday to finalize the border management agreement with the European Union, following the EU's publication of the accord's text today.

The trip responds to an invitation from Andorra's Foreign Minister Imma Tor during their meeting in Madrid last December. Government spokesman Guillem Casal outlined the plans during a press conference after the Council of Ministers meeting, describing the visit as key to completing procedures for applying the EU-Andorra Border Management Agreement alongside neighbouring states.

This deal aims to prevent the EU's new Entry/Exit System (EES) from requiring systematic checks on people at Andorra's land borders. The agreement, initialled on 30 March, exempts Andorran citizens, EU nationals, and third-country nationals with Andorran residence permits from EES registration as outlined. It preserves the current model of random police checks, avoiding systematic vehicle inspections at entry and exit points—unlike the current situation.

The accord also introduces enhanced security and cooperation measures. Residency applicants in Andorra will undergo security assessments using EU alert and threat information systems. Once approved, Andorran residents can travel short-term across the Schengen Area under the agreement's terms, bypassing EES registration and, where applicable, visas or ETIAS authorizations. This extends mobility beyond France and Spain.

During the visit, Albares will meet Head of Government Xavier Espot, then hold working sessions with Tor and their delegations to review major cooperation areas and priority bilateral issues. The ministers expect to sign or complete several conventions negotiated in recent years, strengthening state ties.

Casal noted that with the EU text now public, the Council of the EU has begun signature procedures, running parallel to talks with neighbours for practical implementation. The agreement will take effect after ratification by the European Parliament and Andorra's General Council.