Andorra la VellaGovernment has published the text of theagreement in an English version. This text that was expected not only in the political sphere can be consulted here: https://www.govern.ad/mes-informacio/comunicats-de-premsa/item/16566-publicats-els-textos-integres-de-l-acord-d-associacio-amb-la-unio- european-in-angles
The European Commission sent today the text of the Agreement to the 27 members, as well as on the conclusion of the Association Agreement between the EU and Andorra and San Marino, respectively. In the text published by the EU this represents “a key step towards the ratification of the agreement, marking an important milestone in the EU’s efforts to develop a special relationship with neighboring countries“.
The head of government, Xavier Spotwill travel to Brussels next May 7 to witness this new step that must lead to the consultation binding on citizens that is expected during the first months of 2025.
Europe’s negotiator with the Principality, Maroš Šefčovičstated in the statement the following: “We are all aware of the need to consolidate our partnership with our neighbors and other countries that share the same values. Thus, on the one hand, aligning Andorra and San Marino with the framework of the EU internal market will represent mutual advantages for all parties involved. At the same time, today’s proposals from the Commission to the Council represent an important step forward in strengthening and fostering our political ties“.
According to the text, the Association Agreement will allow a Andorra i San Marino participate in the EU internal market and improve cooperation in other political areas. Their access to the internal market will become comparable to what they enjoy Norway, Iceland i Liechtenstein under the Agreement on the European Economic Area. This ultimately responds to the ambition of both countries to build closer relations with the EU.
The Association Agreement is based on the following key elements:
- It foresees the participation of the two countries in an enlarged homogeneous internal market under equal conditions of competition and respect for the same rules.
- Access to the internal market in financial services will be progressive and will depend on a successful audit of the robustness of the regulatory and supervisory frameworks of the associated States. The European Supervisory Authorities will play a central role in the audit process.
- The Partnership Agreement establishes a framework to develop and promote dialogue and cooperation in areas of common interest, such as research and development, education, social policy, the environment, consumer protection, culture or regional cooperation.
- It introduces a coherent, effective and efficient institutional framework, including:
- The consistent interpretation and application of the Association Agreement in accordance with the jurisprudence of the Court of Justice of the European Union;
- A dispute resolution mechanism with the Court of Justice of the EU as the final arbiter for disputes over the interpretation and application of the Association Agreement.
In line with the 2014 negotiation guidelines, the Association Agreement takes into account the particular situation of Andorra and San Marino as well as their specificities, derived from their close relations with their neighboring EU member countries , its size, including that of its populations. This is reflected in various adjustments as well as various transitional periods for the implementation and application of parts of the EU acquis.
Next Steps
Once the Council gives its approval, the EU, Andorra and San Marino will be able to sign the Association Agreement and then pass it to the European Parliament for its consent. After the consent of the European Parliament, the Council may adopt a decision on its conclusion. Once Andorra and San Marino have also completed their ratification procedures, the Association Agreement can enter into force.
Background
On December 16, 2014, the General Affairs Council authorized the opening of negotiations for an Association Agreement with Andorra, Monaco and San Marino. The Commission assumed responsibility for these negotiations in January 2022.
In its conclusions adopted in June 2022, the Council urged the Commission to conclude negotiations before the end of 2023. Between March 2022 and December 2023, 49 negotiating sessions were held and significant progress was made, leading to the conclusion of negotiations at negotiator level in December 2023.
