Andorra Prepares 2026 Referendum on EU Association Pact Pending EU Signature

Andorra has completed logistical preparations for a potential 2026 referendum on its EU association agreement, but the process awaits final Council of the European Union approval for signature during Cyprus's presidency, ending 30 June.

State Secretary for European Affairs Landry Riba confirmed that practical steps for the vote are ready, though a signature in the coming weeks would create a compressed timeline ahead of the 2027 general elections. The file remains in technical review, needing unanimity from member states—only a few, including Spain, are still aligning—followed by ambassadorial endorsement. Cyprus prioritizes the deal amid ongoing procedural talks. Andorra and San Marino recently endorsed a new Council amendment, paving the way for parliamentary reviews post-signature. Riba stressed that no dates can be fixed while the European process stays open, to prevent speculation.

The government insists no referendum will occur without a signed text and clear positions from all EU bodies, including European Parliament consent. In responses to Consellera General Noemí Amador of Andorra Endavant, Riba warned that acting sooner would create public uncertainty. The roadmap includes signature, Parliament approval, public consultation, and Consell General ratification. Recent parliamentary queries reiterated that provisional application is impossible under current Andorran law or Article 112 of the agreement, which requires no objections after deposit. Andorra notified the EU of this in March 2025. A remote alternative—binding referendum, two-thirds Consell General approval, and treaty law amendments—exists but is not viable now. San Marino follows its own path, with political coordination on shared external elements but no linkage in timelines.

Once effective, likely months after ratification, the pact grants all effective residents Schengen free movement regardless of nationality. Third-country nationals now face limits beyond France and Spain. Riba described the shift as expanding travel "from Andorra, France, and Spain to the full Schengen Area," enhancing Andorra's appeal for residents and workers.

Border measures maintain efficiency: random checks persist, tourist time in Andorra counts toward Schengen limits, and routine entry logging ends, avoiding Entry/Exit System overload. New residents face added security vetting by France and Spain alongside local checks; most should pass for immediate access, while rejections block residency. Riba called this a new safeguard absent today. Temporary 28- to 42-day permits will support key sectors during reviews, with origin-country hiring expediting arrivals.

Market access phases in gradually, with a 15-year opt-out protecting Andorra's distinct features. Financial services protocol updates, requested by member states, cleared Finance Ministry and regulator review. Andorra is not on the OECD's 17 June 2025 crypto regulations list. Riba praised the EU's understanding of Andorra's needs after extended negotiations.