San Marino Publishes EU Association Agreement Implementation Report

San Marino has published a comprehensive report outlining the implementation of its association agreement with the European Union, a treaty also signed by Andorra and Monaco. The document, prepared by the Secretaries of State for Internal Affairs and Foreign Affairs and commissioned by the Grand and General Council in March 2025, serves as a roadmap for what officials describe as "the phase after the day after."

Negotiated in parallel with Andorra and Monaco since 2015, the agreement was signed in December 2023. Both countries are now advancing through planning and execution stages. Full entry into force could occur by mid-2026, pending ratification by the European Parliament and Council.

The report emphasises profound changes to San Marino's institutions, laws, and public services to align with EU norms. It goes beyond legal transposition, heralding a paradigm shift in public administration and state-citizen relations. While the deal has raised expectations, officials acknowledge public uncertainties and limited awareness of its implications.

Key benefits include broader access to the EU single market, participation in community programmes, enhanced business competitiveness, and greater citizen mobility in education, work, and services. Positive effects are anticipated in financial services, digitalisation, energy, e-commerce, consumer protection, and regulatory environments, ultimately modernising the economy and strengthening institutions.

Challenges centre on limited administrative capacity to handle the volume of EU rules from 25 agreed annexes. The process will unfold in phases: incorporating historical acquis communautaire, followed by ongoing updates to new EU acts. Annual omnibus laws will integrate these into domestic legislation, supported by departmental contact points coordinated by the Public Function Directorate and EU Affairs Directorate.

To bolster this, San Marino plans 41 new hires, specialised training, language capacity building, expanded Brussels representation, and a real-time digital tracking platform for transparency. Up to eight independent regulatory authorities—some new, others adapted—will be established or reformed, with centralised management for efficiency in areas like competition, digital services, energy, and consumer protection.

The 2026 timeline features initial legislative adaptations from March to September, followed by approvals and EU compliance checks in the final quarter. Annual cycles will continue thereafter. Public engagement will occur via a digital participation platform and advisory bodies like the Youth Council for Europe, promoting an open, modern administrative culture aligned with EU standards.