Andorra Minister Urges Microstate Unity for EU Ties at San Marino Ceremony

Andorra's Foreign Affairs Minister Imma Tor underscored the importance of small states in building a more cohesive Europe during the investiture ceremony for San Marino's new Captains Regent on Thursday.

Speaking at the event, Tor met with her counterpart Luca Beccari and highlighted the excellent bilateral relationship between the two nations. She argued that cooperation among microstates is increasingly vital amid global geopolitical tensions, including war on the continent, rising strategic competition, and challenges to international law.

Tor noted the shared trajectory of Andorra and San Marino toward greater European integration, culminating in their joint negotiation of an association agreement with the EU. The EU Council approved the text on 16 July and authorised its signature, now scheduled for 19 October in Brussels, along with provisional application.

"Today we take another big step forward. The association agreement negotiated jointly by Andorra and San Marino with the European Union represents, in many respects, the logical continuation of this gradual integration process," Tor said.

She emphasised the symbolic and political weight of the joint approach, allowing both nations to deepen EU ties while preserving their sovereignty and institutional identities. Small states, she added, are not isolated but positioned to form alliances, build bridges, and champion dialogue, mediation, and multilateralism.

"Being a small state does not mean isolation. On the contrary, it can encourage us to seek alliances, build bridges, and work together," Tor stated. She described small states as credible facilitators with clear voices in these efforts.

Tor linked Andorra's mountain heritage, culture, and multilingualism to its commitments on sustainable development and environmental protection. Collaboration with San Marino is already delivering results, she said, with the EU agreement as the most visible example. "Andorra and San Marino have a great opportunity ahead. Our cooperation is producing tangible outcomes."

Her itinerary included meetings with the Captains Regent, working sessions with Beccari, and receptions hosted by the EU's permanent representation and San Marino's Foreign Affairs Ministry, where she spoke with EU member state diplomats and the full diplomatic corps accredited there.