EU Parliament Approves Andorra-San Marino Association Agreement Report

The European Parliament approved an interim report on the EU-Andorra-San Marino association agreement on Wednesday, securing 552 votes in favour, 24 against, and 75 abstentions.

This plenary endorsement builds on the Foreign Affairs Committee (AFET) vote of 56-3 with five abstentions, reinforcing broad cross-party support. Rapporteur Željana Zovko called it the EU's most extensive pact with third countries, spanning cooperation beyond single market access. She noted Andorra and San Marino as close neighbours sharing democratic values, multilateral commitments, and alignment with the EU's Common Foreign and Security Policy, including sanctions. The report frames the deal as mutually beneficial, offering gradual single market integration akin to European Economic Area countries while accounting for the microstates' unique scale. It promotes prosperity, stability, and deeper ties amid geopolitical shifts, based on common interests.

The resolution also stresses keeping the agreement as an "exclusive EU pact" for faster ratification, urges ongoing monitoring of EU law implementation given the states' limited resources, and welcomes Monaco's potential future involvement after suspending talks. Safeguards emphasise strict anti-money laundering compliance and robust financial supervision, with possible suspension of financial services market access if deficiencies arise.

The vote advances the process under EU treaties, where Parliament grants final consent after Council authorisation for signature and Commission finalisation. The Council may adopt its position by March, streamlining the mixed agreement's path—requiring unanimous member state approval. Recent shifts include Portugal's support on 7 January alongside France, followed by Italy and Germany. Spain has yet to formally endorse it, though backing is expected to expedite proceedings.

Andorra's government welcomed the outcome as evidence of parliamentary consensus and noted parallel institutional talks in San Marino. Domestically, opposition lingers: National Council member Jaume Bartumeu of Progressistes-SDP said Tuesday the State Pact on the agreement has "failed" and is "tiring the citizenry," with polls indicating majority opposition or indecision amid demands for more transparency.