Andorra Public Opinion Split on EU Association Agreement Amid Rising Indecision

Public opinion in Andorra on the EU association agreement is evenly split, with indecision at record levels, as shown by the AR+I Observatory survey for the second half of 2025.

Some 35.2% of respondents anticipate mostly positive effects, while 34% foresee mainly negative ones—a notable decline from 44.3% negative views in 2024. Indecision has surged, with 20.1% opting not to take a stance, up seven points from last year, and 8.9% viewing impacts as neutral, a 2.5-point rise. AR+I sociologist Joan Micó linked this to contrasting views on free movement of people: supporters see travel opportunities, while opponents fear foreign influxes. Over a decade, positions for and against have held steady, but doubt has doubled, tied to information gaps.

Communication remains a key issue, with 67.6% feeling poorly informed—a consistent trend—and only 30% deeming themselves well-informed. More than 60% rate government efforts as regular or poor, at 63.7%. Supporters report lower information levels than opponents, Micó said. The deal awaits ratification, with no referendum scheduled.

Head of Government Xavier Espot, in his New Year's address from Casa Masover in La Cortinada, called 2026 pivotal. He expects the EU Council to decide the pact's legal nature in January, enabling signature, European Parliament approval, and then a public vote. Opposition parties push for an immediate referendum with neutral campaigning. Concòrdia leader Cerni Escalé decried delays, warning that signing before a vote could create "enormous tension" or amount to "blackmail" if rejected. He criticized biased pro-agreement promotion and urged planning migrant quotas years ahead. PS's Pere Baró called for balanced information on yes/no arguments and a collective rethink to curb growth without stopping it, rejecting "populist" immigrant scapegoating. Andorra Endavant's Carine Montaner highlighted a "breach" between official narratives and public perceptions.

All major parties recognize demographic growth exceeding 10% in three and a half years as fueling immigration and housing worries, though solutions differ. Democrats' Jordi Jordana said regulations and the entry/exit system are controlling inflows while supporting businesses. Escalé blamed saturated services on government policies favoring "a few economic interests." Baró faulted a lack of migration model. Montaner stressed everyday life strains.

Housing prices hit record highs per square metre. Espot pledged gradual rental deregulation from 2027 with safeguards against sharp rises, tenant protections, public housing growth, and a minimum wage over €1,500 in 2026. Opposition called this inadequate, demanding anti-speculation laws, migrant planning, modular homes on public land, rental market transparency, and curbs on non-residents using residences commercially. Escalé accused Democrats of aiding speculators while creating dependency through social measures. Baró said the survey proves the need for housing regulation, while Montaner positioned it as citizens' top concern.