Andorra PM Commits to EU Association Referendum by 2027

Andorra's head of government, Xavier Espot, has reaffirmed his commitment to holding a referendum on the association agreement with the European Union during the current legislative term, while leaving open the possibility that upcoming general elections could serve as a plebiscite on the issue.

Speaking at a Christmas meeting with journalists, Espot noted that time constraints are mounting. He emphasised that his pledge—originally made by his predecessor Toni Martí and reaffirmed in 2019 and 2023—applies only to this term, which ends in 2027. Beyond that, he said, the next executive would need to decide.

The agreement's legal nature, involving Andorra and San Marino, remains unresolved. Espot explained that it will not be settled under Denmark's EU presidency but under Cyprus's, likely in the first quarter of next year. He anticipates it will be classified as mixed, but only on two limited matters: fiscal governance and portfolio investments.

Work is underway with the European Commission to separate these elements, allowing the rest of the agreement to proceed without requiring ratification by every EU national parliament. Once the EU Council formalises the text, Andorra and the Commission would sign it, followed by general approval from the European Parliament. If mixed aspects persist, national and some regional chambers—such as Germany's—would then ratify.

At that stage, Espot said, Andorra would call a referendum asking citizens two questions: whether they approve the overall association agreement, and whether the non-mixed parts can enter provisional force. Internal laws would need amending for this, but only after a positive vote.

"If everything aligns before the legislature ends, we will hold the referendum," Espot stated. Otherwise, the issue would fall to the next government. He ruled out no plausible scenarios, including turning the next elections into a de facto vote on Europe.