Concòrdia Accuses Andorran Government of Blackmailing Citizens Over EU Association Push Without Referendum

**Concòrdia accuses Andorran government of blackmailing citizens by advancing EU association agreement without referendum**

Concòrdia, the opposition parliamentary group, has accused the Andorran government of using blackmail tactics against citizens by pressing ahead with the EU association agreement before any public vote.

Cerni Escalé, leader of Concòrdia's parliamentary group, made the charges in comments to *La Veu Lliure*. He criticised Head of Government Xavier Espot's repeated pledges to advance without prior consultation, including public statements alongside French President Emmanuel Macron. Escalé described the approach as unjust, leaving Andorra exposed to Europe.

He questioned the timeline, warning that some EU states like Slovenia could ratify before Andorrans vote. Escalé called this incoherent and urged the government to halt the process or hold the referendum immediately. He pointed to Sweden's public vote on euro adoption as a model for citizen involvement in major EU-related changes.

Escalé highlighted potential threats to immigration controls, foreign investment screening, and the housing market. He argued the government's push for openness to fix investment barriers would fail: free movement of capital would hinder project selection, while free movement of people would strain migration rules and property supply.

In his strongest criticism, Escalé accused the executive of fearmongering to avoid a vote, labelling it blackmail. Concòrdia demands an immediate reversal and a referendum before final ratification.

A week after Macron's visit to Andorra, where he called the country a "concentrate of Europe" and described public concerns as "legitimate, respectable and understandable", both leaders outlined tentative timelines amid ongoing uncertainty. The referendum date remains unset.

Macron stated the agreement is finalised, with Commission and member-state signatures before summer, followed by ratifications in national parliaments from late this year into next. Espot outlined a domestic roadmap: an EU Council decision this spring, probable Andorran signature in July or September, then European Parliament ratification before a politically binding referendum.

Both stressed unpredictability. Espot noted a lack of precise dates due to external variables that could shift schedules. Macron pointed to EU priorities like international conflicts, energy crises, and migration pressures, warning a rejection could close future negotiation windows. The deal's likely mixed agreement status requires approval from all member states, extending the process.

Meanwhile, concerns persist among residents, particularly the French community. Catherine Métayer, behind the "Continuons à l’unisson" platform, has organised a conference titled "Andorra and Europe" on Wednesday at Hotel Roc Blanc in Escaldes-Engordany. Lawyers from Cabinet Eurolex Andorra will address impacts on taxation, pensions, healthcare, administrative status, and the referendum process. Métayer noted growing unease following Macron's visit, affecting French residents and others.