Andorra-EU Association Deal in Technical Tie as Opposition Softens

A new survey from Andorra Recerca i Innovació (AR+I) reveals public opinion on Andorra's association agreement with the European Union in a technical tie, with 35.2% viewing it positively, 34.1% negatively, and 30.7% undecided or non-responding. Opposition among Andorrans dropped from 44.3% in the second semester of 2024 to 34%, while support held steady from 35.3%. The undecided bloc grew sharply, with "don't know" responses rising to 21.9% from 11.2% and non-responses to 8.9% from 6.3%. Among non-Andorran residents, support stayed at 42.4%, opposition fell to 25.8% from 37.2%, and non-responses climbed to 26.5%.

The AR+I Observatory results for the second semester of 2025, presented on Monday, underscore persistent doubts. Only 21.1% of Andorrans see the negotiated text as the best option, while 38.6% prefer maintaining the status quo, 11.1% want a different deal, 5.6% favour full EU membership, and 6.6% seek looser ties. Free movement of people remains the top concern at 24.4%, ahead of tax hikes (6.6%), security issues (6.4%), and foreign competition (6.3%). Perceived benefits are more varied, led by economic openness (10.6%), outbound mobility (9.4%), and study opportunities (5.1%).

Awareness is high—88% of Andorrans and 71% of residents have heard of the negotiations—but self-assessed knowledge is low: 30% of citizens and 21.2% of non-citizens feel well informed, against 67.6% of Andorrans reporting poor information. Over 60% rate government communication as poor (25.3%) or fair (38.4%), with just 27.8% calling it good.

AR+I sociologist Joan Micó, who led the study, attributed the opposition decline mainly to indecision. "Those nearly 10 points from negative views have gone, in a very relevant part, to 'don't know'," he said. Better-informed people tend to support the deal, but Micó stressed the need for clearer details on benefits and risks. He noted free movement's split perception—welcomed for leaving Andorra but feared for inflows, despite many current workers being non-EU nationals who integrate effectively. Micó tied the shift to fading political consensus over the past decade, intensified by new parties and the 2023 elections.

Existing EU pacts, including the 1990 trade agreement, 1998 veterinary protocol, monetary deal, and tax data exchange, enjoy 70-83.3% approval.

Political responses highlight linked pressures from demographic growth, up over 10% in three and a half years, straining housing and services. Demòcrates leader Jordi Jordana welcomed falling opposition but pointed to EU delays on the agreement's mixed status as blocking a referendum. Concòrdia’s Cerni Escalé called for an immediate vote with neutral campaigning to avoid "blackmail." The PS’s Pere Baró warned of populist risks and urged migration planning, while Andorra Endavant’s Carine Montaner emphasised security gaps between official narratives and public views.

Housing tops concerns at 73.9% citing prices—the highest in five years—with 42.5% personally affected. Renters face insecurity, as 46% signed recent contracts amid rising costs: new leases average €1,332 monthly versus €785 for those from a decade ago, with overall housing payments at €1,013, up 5%. Parties agree on curbing growth but differ: Demòcrates claims controls are working, while opposition demands bolder action against speculation and for market regulation.