Andorra and San Marino sign Association Agreement to move closer to the EU

Today, the Commission signed an Association Agreement with Andorra and San Marino, bringing both countries closer to the EU and establishing a clear and comprehensive framework for deeper economic and institutional integration. 

The Agreement gives Andorra and San Marino access to the Internal Market under common rules and fair competition conditions. It provides citizens, businesses and public authorities with greater legal certainty and predictability, facilitates trade, supports investment and encourages cross-border economic activity, while respecting the specific characteristics of both partners. 

It also sets out a framework for dialogue and cooperation in areas of shared interest, including research and innovation, education, social policy, the environment, consumer protection, culture and regional cooperation.  

In financial services, integration will take place gradually and subject to specific conditions. This will include an assessment of the robustness of both partner's regulatory and supervisory frameworks. 

The EU also signed updated Monetary Agreements with Andorra and San Marino to address overlaps with the new Association Agreement and provide greater legal certainty.  

Following the signature, the Council will request the consent of the European Parliament before proceeding with the conclusion of the Agreement. It will be ready for provisional application as soon as the respective ratification procedures in Andorra and San Marino allow. 

Negotiating directives adopted by the Council in December 2014 empowered the Commission to begin negotiations on an Association Agreement with Andorra, Monaco and San Marino in 2015. Following the suspension of negotiations with Monaco in September 2023, negotiations continued with Andorra and San Marino, and were successfully concluded in December 2023.