Key Meetings Ahead for Andorra's Agreement with the European Union
The Council of the European Union is set to hold up to five crucial meetings before June to discuss and define key aspects of the Agreement between Andorra and the EU. This information was shared by Jordi Jordana, the president of the Democrats for Andorra parliamentary group, following a recent meeting regarding the State Pact for the Association Agreement.
Jordana indicated that these upcoming meetings, conducted under the Polish presidency, will be instrumental in resolving several important issues, including whether the agreement will be classified as a mixed agreement. He emphasized that clarity on these key points is expected by June, which is critical for Andorra as it seeks to establish a timeline for a referendum on the agreement.
During the meeting, discussions also focused on adapting regulations for the referendum, which will address essential aspects such as the voter group, financing, and other technical details necessary for conducting the consultation effectively. Additionally, the meeting covered topics related to border management and the updating of information exchange agreements between Andorra and the EU, which are currently evolving. Jordana noted that efforts are underway to prevent Andorra from being integrated into the EU's 'Entry/Exit System' identification system.
Furthermore, Jordana reported that the Agreement signed in 2017 regarding the automatic exchange of information with the EU is being updated. This update is a technical requirement to comply with new criteria established by the OECD, although it does not entail fundamental changes to the existing system.
As these discussions progress, the outcomes of the upcoming meetings will play a significant role in shaping Andorra's relationship with the European Union and determining the next steps in the association process.