Andorra Petition Surpasses 1,000 Signatures Demanding EU Deal Referendum

A citizens' initiative launched on Tuesday via Change.org has rapidly gathered momentum, surpassing 1,000 signatures by Wednesday afternoon to demand a binding referendum on Andorra's association agreement with the European Union before the government signs it.

Led by Artur Homs, president of the Laurediana political platform Claror and an opponent of the deal, the petition argues that the accord could reshape Andorra's geopolitical, economic, and social future. It warns of risks to small businesses, civil rights, and cultural identity, insisting that such a pivotal choice belongs to voters, not politicians alone. "Democracy is exercised at the ballot box," the text states, calling for transparency and respect for popular will.

The campaign, which reached 122 signatures within hours, 274 by early afternoon, over 500 by evening, and 1,061 by midday Wednesday, has drawn support from opposition parties. Carine Montaner, leader of the Andorra Endavant parliamentary group, hailed it as "very good news" and hoped it would secure 10,000 signatures to force a vote. She accused the governing Democrats for Andorra (DA) of avoiding a referendum due to electoral fears and cited Monaco's rejection of a similar deal while maintaining strong EU ties.

Concòrdia, led by Cerni Escalé—who confirmed he signed the petition—issued a statement demanding immediate suspension of the signing and ratification process. The party called the government's timeline "profoundly antidemocratic," noting negotiations politically closed on 12 December 2023 yet no referendum under Article 76 of the Constitution has occurred despite prior commitments. With EU Council approval slated for 22 May, Concòrdia argued proceeding would create undue institutional pressure on voters.

Government spokesperson Guillem Casal dismissed the push, distinguishing signature—merely stabilizing the text after EFTA, COREPER, and EU Council steps—from entry into force, which requires Council of Europe ratification and a referendum afterward. He questioned the petition's validity, noting Change.org lacks verification of voters' residency or duplicates, and suggested critics like Concòrdia act on electoral motives. Casal stressed the process remains on track post-European Parliament approval, urging clarity to avoid public confusion.

The debate highlights tensions over Andorra's EU integration, with supporters eyeing mobility and economic gains, while skeptics prioritize sovereignty and fiscal model preservation. No government response to the signature threshold has been announced.