San Marino urges EU-level ratification as Germany wavers

San Marino’s prime minister, Luca Beccari, pressed Germany and Portugal on 4 December to maintain their stance that the association agreement with the European Union — negotiated jointly with Andorra — should be treated as a non-mixed agreement, meaning it would be ratified at EU level rather than by each member state individually. Beccari raised the issue in Vienna during the 32nd OSCE Ministerial Council. He showed particular concern about Germany, which has begun to shift its position and express some doubts.

Portugal, along with Spain and the Czech Republic, remains firm in favour of a single EU-level ratification. By contrast, a clearly defined bloc led by France argues the agreement should require ratification by the parliaments of each EU member state, and where applicable by federal parliaments as well.

San Marino is preparing for a period of intense institutional activity focused on the association process. The Parliamentary Commission on Foreign Affairs, Emigration and Immigration is holding an extended session to address foreign policy, security and immigration matters, with the association negotiations as a central topic. Officials describe the process as key to guaranteeing the country’s institutional stability and international positioning.

The commission’s work is intended to provide continuity to talks with Brussels and to shape the legal and political framework for implementation. Following the commission meetings, the Grand and General Council will convene for sessions running from Monday through Thursday, with long daily sittings that include debate and a planned vote on a motion to involve all institutional bodies in managing future provisions arising from the EU agreement.

The stated aim of the parliamentary and commission deliberations is to establish a coordinated national strategy to align San Marino with EU standards and to capitalise on opportunities from closer integration. Lawmakers say the discussions reaffirm the country’s political commitment to Europe and the institutional will to move toward deeper international cooperation.

The flurry of committee and parliamentary activity reflects an effort by San Marino’s institutions to consolidate the foundations of a future relationship model with the EU, against a backdrop of internal reforms and the definition of external alliances.