18 October 2026 22:00 UTC · European Commission · EU Commission Press Release · Read original source ↗ · Email X Link

European Commission Announces Association Agreement With Andorra And San Marino

Key points

The European Commission signed an Association Agreement with Andorra and San Marino to integrate their economies and institutions with the European Union.
Updated Monetary Agreements were also signed to address overlaps with the new Association Agreement.

TL;DR

The European Commission signed an Association Agreement and updated Monetary Agreements with Andorra and San Marino in Brussels.
The Association Agreement grants Andorra and San Marino access to the European Union Internal Market under common rules.
Financial services integration will occur gradually subject to regulatory and supervisory assessments.
The Council will request European Parliament consent before concluding the Agreement.
Negotiations for the Association Agreement began following 2014 negotiating directives and concluded in December 2023.

Original text

European Commission - Press release Andorra and San Marino sign Association Agreement to move closer to the EU Brussels, 19 October 2026 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 IP/26/2182 Quote(s): "By signing this Association Agreement, we open a new chapter of deeper partnership between the European Union, and Andorra and San Marino. It sends the clear signal that at a time of geopolitical uncertainty and growing fragmentation, our answer is not isolation, but partnership. By bringing our economies and societies closer together, this Agreement will strengthen our collective resilience, bringing greater stability, predictability and opportunity." Maroš Šefčovič, Commissioner for Trade and Economic Security; Interinstitutional Relations and Transparency - 19/10/2026 "Today marks another step forward in the European Union’s close and long-standing relations with Andorra and San Marino. The amendments to the Monetary Agreements are part of a wider trust-based journey. They will ensure legal clarity, consistency and coherence, reflecting a mature partnership built on sound governance that brings concrete benefits to our constituencies. The EU remains committed to working closely with both partners in the years ahead." Valdis Dombrovskis, Commissioner for Economy and Productivity; Implementation and Simplification - 19/10/2026 <@rel_link@> Press contacts: Balazs UJVARI (+32 2 295 45 78) Saul Louis GOULDING (+32 2 296 47 35) General public inquiries: Europe Direct by phone 00 800 67 89 10 11 or by email

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