Andorra to sign EU association agreement in Brussels

Andorra is set to sign an association agreement with the European Union in Brussels on October 19, marking a significant step toward deeper economic integration. The agreement, which has been under negotiation for over a decade, aims to incorporate Andorra into the European single market, allowing for the free movement of goods, services, people, and capital.

While the text has received approval from the 27 EU member states, the process enters a critical and uncertain phase. Following the signing, the agreement must undergo ratification processes, including a binding referendum among Andorran citizens. This has sparked domestic debate, with supporters highlighting economic diversification and critics raising concerns regarding sovereignty, immigration, and the housing market.

The European Parliament has provisionally scheduled its plenary session to ratify the agreement between January 18 and 21 of next year. This legislative step is expected to be a decisive moment for the current administration of Head of Government Xavier Espot before upcoming general elections.