26 April 2024 – The
European Commission has presented to the Council of the European Union a proposal on the signing and provisional application of the
Association Agreement between the EU and the respective States of Andorra and San Marino. This initiative marks a key step towards the ratification of the agreement and represents significant progress in relations between the EU and neighbouring countries.
Objective of the Agreement
The association agreement will allow
Andorra and
San Marino to access the
EU internal market in a similar way to Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein through the European Economic Area. The main objective is to strengthen cooperation in various sectors, promoting closer relations with the European Union.
Key elements of the Agreement
- Participation of Andorra and San Marino in a entended internal market under conditions of equal competition and compliance with the same rules.
- Access to financial services will be gradual and subject to verification of the soundness of the regulatory and supervisory frameworks of the two countries.
- Promotion of dialogue and cooperation in sectors of common interest such as research and development, education, environment, consumer protection and culture.
- A coherent institutional framework to ensure the application of the agreement according to the jurisprudence of the Court of Justice of the European Union and dispute resolution.
Specificity of the Agreement
The Agreement shall take into account the particular characteristics of Andorra and San Marino, including the size of the population and proximity relations with neighbouring EU Member States.
adadements and transition periods are provided for the implementation of specific parts of the Community acquis.
Next steps
After the approval of the Council, the EU, Andorra and San Marino will officially sign the agreement, which will then be submitted to the
European Parliament for approval. Once the ratification procedures by all the States involved have been completed, the agreement may enter into force.
Source: European Commission 
