EU Blocks Andorra Association Agreement Over Lack of Unanimity at COREPER

Andorra's association agreement with the EU remains blocked after the COREPER meeting on Friday, 29 May 2026, failed to secure unanimity among the 27 member states.

The Committee of Permanent Representatives concluded its session without consensus, mainly over the agreement's legal nature, expected to be classified as mixed. Diplomatic sources highlight ongoing differences between Bulgaria and San Marino—previously stalling progress in the EFTA working group—as primary hurdles. A financial scandal affecting both countries has indirectly delayed Andorra's dossier, despite completed technical work.

The Cypriot presidency of the EU Council, ending 30 June, had shifted the matter directly from the EFTA group to COREPER earlier that week in a bid to accelerate approval. It views the agreement as a priority and intends to reschedule it for future sessions soon, though no specific date is confirmed.

Prior to the 29 May meeting, Economy Minister Conxita Marsol called for caution at a Wednesday press conference after the Council of Ministers session. She noted the move to COREPER, where unanimity is required, and the presidency's compressed timeline. "If it is not approved now, it will be included again in the agenda of upcoming meetings," she said, emphasizing that no scenarios could be foreseen until the result emerged. Marsol urged patience: outcomes would determine next steps toward signature.

Andorran officials continue to monitor closely as the Cypriot presidency pushes for resolution before its term expires. The COREPER impasse represents a critical pre-political stage before potential European Parliament consideration.