Andorra and Cyprus Eye EU Association Agreement Resolution in Coming Weeks

Andorra and Cyprus expect to resolve the final hurdle in the Association Agreement with the EU "in the coming weeks", following a visit to Andorra by Cyprus's ambassador.

Michalis Ioannou, Cyprus's ambassador to Andorra, met Andorran officials in Andorra la Vella today to outline priorities for Cyprus's presidency of the EU Council, which runs through the first half of the year. The Association Agreement between Andorra and the EU emerged as a key focus, with both sides expressing optimism about advancing toward its conclusion and signature.

Ioannou highlighted active efforts within the EFTA framework—the European Free Trade Association—to address the remaining issue of the agreement's legal nature. He said work is underway to secure unanimous agreement "soon", aiming for a decision "in the coming weeks". This would allow EU Council ministers to approve the text during Cyprus's presidency, with signing targeted for the same semester.

Foreign Affairs Minister Imma Tor praised the strong bilateral ties between Andorra and Cyprus, thanking Nicosia for prioritising the agreement on the EU agenda. She pointed to the Memorandum of Understanding and Cooperation signed on 12 April 2024 during her official visit to Cyprus as evidence of deepening collaboration.

State Secretary for EU Relations Landry Riba noted that Cyprus's early commitment under its presidency confirms progress toward signing during this term. He also cited advances on a bespoke border management deal for Andorra to implement the EU's Entry/Exit System (EES) regulation.

Ioannou's presentation covered Cyprus's broader EU priorities amid a challenging global context, including migration and border security, defence strengthening, economic and energy competitiveness, innovation, digitalisation, and green and digital transitions. On foreign policy, Cyprus seeks a more outward-looking EU with strong backing for Ukraine.

The visit included an institutional meeting with Head of Government Xavier Espot, reinforcing bilateral links and EU cooperation on shared interests. Authorities also announced an upcoming trip to Andorra by Cyprus's Foreign Minister Constantinos Kombos.