Andorra Advances EU Association Pact Negotiations Amid Domestic Push for Broader Input

Andorra's EU association agreement negotiations progressed during an EFTA working group meeting in Brussels last Tuesday, where officials reviewed the draft Council decision on the pact's conclusion, along with annexes covering tobacco, free movement of persons, Andorra's special status with public security safeguards, financial services, and air transport.

Progressistes-SDP, critical of the government's communication, published the meeting documents, arguing the agreement must involve broader participation beyond the government or state pact parties to shape Andorra's economic, social, and institutional future. The party views it as a collective political choice, not an isolated technical process. Discussions touched on dispute resolution mechanisms, adjustments to EU legal acts, transitional periods, and conditioning financial services market access on thorough evaluations by European supervisory authorities like the European Banking Authority, with Commission oversight.

No agreements were finalized, but the group is due to reconvene this Tuesday to advance these items. A key focus remains the treaty's mixed legal nature, requiring national parliament approvals alongside the European Parliament. While Andorra's government favors this, Spain has held a study reservation tied to Gibraltar talks, now nearing resolution with Schengen integration and border barrier removal. Sources expect Spain to lift its block soon—possibly this week—allowing consensus and progression to Coreper, Council authorization, signature, and ratification. Bulgaria's position lingers as a risk amid a San Marino-linked banking scandal.

On tobacco, outside the pact's fiscal scope, Andorra commits to potential alignment with EU rules for state revenues and enhanced anti-smuggling cooperation with France, Spain, and EU bodies. Air transport annexes open review after eight years for possible expansion under Protocol Annex 13.

Domestically, Progressistes-SDP temporarily suspended its state pact participation earlier this week over limited inclusion of economic, union, and social actors. President Josep Roig stressed ongoing support for the deal, describing the move as carefully considered and reversible with wider involvement. Party member Jaume Bartumeu criticized State Secretary Landry Riba's resistance to expansion.

The pact responded Wednesday by admitting business groups CEA, EFA, and the Chamber of Commerce as full members, who must subscribe to its founding document. Head of Government Xavier Espot said this diversifies debates and addresses concerns, with plans to invite unions and professional colleges. "We have all reached the conclusion that this can make the state pact more potent," Espot said, noting contacts will follow to gauge interest ahead of a binding referendum.

The meeting also covered border management progress—aiming to avoid systematic checks before the April 10 Entry/Exit System launch—and Riba's upcoming briefing to the Foreign Affairs legislative commission. Ratification needs Consell General approval post-referendum; no provisional application is possible beforehand. Unanimity on the mixed nature remains pending.