Progressistes-SDP Launches Campaign Demanding EU Deal Transparency in Andorra

Progressistes-SDP, an extra-parliamentary party, has launched its own communication campaign ahead of an expected formal exit from Andorra's State Pact on Europe on Wednesday, releasing official annexes from recent EFTA working group meetings in the EU Council to demand greater transparency in association agreement talks.

The party, led by Josep Roig and chaired by Jaume Bartumeu, argues that the EU deal must serve as a shared mechanism for Andorra's economic, social, and institutional future, rather than a project limited to the government or pact members. "We cannot allow the association agreement to be seen as an isolated technical process," it stated, calling for wider public engagement and political explanation of the negotiations.

The released documents cover annexes debated at the EFTA group's meeting last Tuesday in Brussels, including Andorra's declaration on the tobacco sector—opening the possibility of aligning tobacco taxes with EU legislation to maintain state revenues if duty-free income falls, even though taxation falls outside the agreement's scope. Other annexes address free movement of people and immigration, air transport (with potential expansion of Annex 13 after eight years), and safeguards for public security and order.

The group, which previously met on 10 March without final agreement on the draft Council decision, discussed these issues but reached no consensus. A majority reportedly favours classifying the agreement as mixed, though full consensus is required. The EFTA working group will reconvene in Brussels on Thursday to continue debating the final project for the EU-Andorra-San Marino association accord.

Progressistes-SDP described the documents as essential for the country's future, stressing that a nation in transition must grasp the reasons for change and participate. The campaign underscores rifts with pact partners, including Head of Government Xavier Espot and Secretary of State for EU Relations Landry Riba, following the European Parliament's approval of an interim report on 11 February.