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

October 19, 2026 by The Sting's Team Leave a Comment

This article is brought to you in association with the European Parliament. — (Credit: Unsplash)

This article is brought to you in association with the European Commission.

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.

Next steps

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.

Background

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.

On 26 April 2024, the Commission presented proposals for Council decisions on the signing, provisional application and conclusion of the Agreement. In July 2026, the Council authorised its signature and provisional application.

Separate Monetary Agreements already govern the use of the euro and related obligations. These were signed in 2011 with Andorra and in 2012 with San Marino. In December 2025, the Council empowered the Commission to negotiate amendments to those Monetary Agreements to address overlaps between their obligations and those arising under the new Association Agreement. The Commission approved the amendments for signature in September 2026.

For more information
Official publication to follow
Council webpage

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