Andorra-EU Association Agreement Delayed Again by Bulgarian Reserve in EFTA Group

**Andorra-EU association agreement delayed again by Bulgarian reserve in EFTA group**

The approval process for the trilateral association agreement between Andorra, San Marino and the European Union has encountered further delays after another failed attempt to secure consensus in the EFTA working group. A second technical meeting on Tuesday failed to resolve the impasse, leaving the dossier stuck at the technical level and preventing its advancement to political discussions in the EU Council.

Bulgaria's ongoing technical reserve is the primary obstacle, sources indicate, linked to the transitional phase of its new government in Sofia. This follows a similar blockage last week that shifted key dates: the COREPER II meeting of permanent representatives is now set for 20 May, with the EU Council session to follow on 22 May. Officials anticipate the reserve could be lifted before 19 May, potentially allowing the process to resume on that timeline. Until then, the procedure remains paused.

The lack of unanimity among the 27 member states has sidelined the agreement from fast-track "point A" approval, requiring explicit consensus and possibly reopening political debate. Complications also stem from the linked San Marino dossier, where recent hesitations have created scheduling uncertainty, though the issues do not directly concern Andorra.

Government spokesperson Guillem Casal sought to ease concerns during Wednesday's post-Council of Ministers press conference. He stressed that the executive detects no formal objections from any state, including Bulgaria or Spain, capable of derailing the planned calendar. The process, he added, remains in its final text stabilisation phase.

Work on the agreement continues among member states and EU institutions, viewed as a strategic step to strengthen ties. The mixed legal nature of the text means it will require approval not only by the European Parliament but also national and regional legislatures once cleared. No firm signature date has been set, but the overall goal is completion in the coming months.