Portugal Backs Mixed EU-Andorra Deal, Aligning with France
Portugal shifts to support a mixed association agreement for Andorra with the EU, citing friendly ties and faster negotiations, as Spain, Germany,.
Key Points
- Portugal supports mixed EU-Andorra agreement announced Jan 7, aligning with France.
- Spain, Germany, Italy issue study reservations, may shift to pro-mixed camp.
- EFTA session in Brussels prioritizes deal's legal framework, targets 2026 finalization.
- EU Parliament's Foreign Affairs Committee approves report, boosting trade and mobility.
Portugal has shifted its stance to support a mixed association agreement between Andorra and the European Union, aligning with the group led by France. The change was announced on 7 January during a working meeting of the EFTA group, where Portuguese representatives cited Andorra's status as a friendly nation hosting many Portuguese citizens. They argued that the mixed agreement route would expedite negotiations and resolve ongoing delays.
The same meeting revealed evolving positions from Spain, Germany, and Italy, which all issued study reservations and requested time to reconsider their stances. This development suggests they may join the pro-mixed agreement camp, though no final decisions have been confirmed.
These discussions occurred at the EFTA working group session held yesterday in Brussels, which focused on the association agreement involving Andorra and San Marino. Listed as the second agenda item, the talks reviewed updated proposals for the agreement's legal framework and complementary protocols. The session aimed to reach consensus on signature, provisional application, and conclusion of the future institutional framework, building on recent legal and political revisions.
No official outcome has been released, but the agenda placement underscores strong political commitment to prioritising the deal, with potential finalisation targeted for 2026. The mixed procedure requires approval by national and federal parliaments—a lengthier process that Andorra has accepted as the likely path forward, backed by France's firm position.
Elsewhere, the European Parliament's Foreign Affairs Committee approved the agreement report on 15 January by a wide majority. Socialist MEP Laura Ballarín stated that it would create new opportunities for businesses, SMEs, and consumers by removing trade barriers and easing the free movement of goods, services, and people. The accord is set to bolster economic integration and cross-border cooperation.
The EFTA council also addressed bilateral ties with Switzerland and political dialogue with the Western Balkans.
Original Sources
This article was aggregated from the following Catalan-language sources: