EU Parliament Committee Approves Andorra-San Marino Association Pact

The European Parliament's foreign affairs committee approved an interim report on the EU association agreement with Andorra and San Marino on Thursday, passing it with strong backing of 56 votes in favour, three against, and five abstentions.

Croatian MEP Željana Zovko, rapporteur from the European People's Party, called the pact "one of the most comprehensive we have ever made." She described it as mutually beneficial, granting Andorra and San Marino a status practically equivalent to European Economic Area membership. Zovko noted that the agreement addresses areas of common interest and congratulated negotiators from both countries for the positive result.

Socialist MEP Laura Ballarin highlighted how the deal would create opportunities for businesses, SMEs, and consumers by removing trade barriers and enabling free movement of goods, services, and people. The report promotes deeper economic integration and cross-border cooperation, tailored to the microstates' specificities through a gradual implementation. Ballarin stressed that it explicitly positions the agreement under exclusive EU competence to ensure a swift ratification process. "Europe must strengthen ties with aligned countries like Andorra and San Marino," she said.

The committee avoided any stance on the agreement's legal basis—specifically, whether it requires mixed ratification by EU member states—leaving that to the EU Council under the Cypriot presidency. A decision there could take weeks or months. The approval advances preparatory work, allowing the full Parliament to vote on the final text with deeper understanding once the Council submits it.