Andorra’s Minister of Justice and the Interior, Ester Molné, announced on Friday during the opening of the 23rd Andorran Family Business Forum (EFA) that the border management agreement with the European Union could be finalized before the end of the year. “Negotiations are very advanced,” she said, adding that, barring unforeseen events, the agreement could be signed by the end of 2025.
According to Molné, the completion of this agreement is closely linked to the finalization of the Association Agreement, which already positions Andorra as a partner state rather than a third country. The future agreement with the EU will include “cross-border police cooperation mechanisms with the two neighboring states to more effectively and coordinately combat transnational crime.”
The ministry is also working on “a comprehensive reform of both the Penal Code and the Code of Criminal Procedure” to adapt to evolving criminal activity and expedite judicial processes. Molné emphasized that security remains “one of the country’s most important assets” and highlighted government efforts to strengthen the police force, including the recent recruitment of eight officers and the launch of a process to fill 15 new positions.
She concluded by highlighting the opportunities offered by this new institutional phase: “Just as we have met previous challenges, we will seize this new stage as an opportunity to reinforce Andorra’s security, reputation, and competitiveness.” She clarified that the EU agreement “will in no way compromise our selective immigration system,” while maintaining a rigorous selection process.
Daniel Armengol, the outgoing president of the EFA, emphasized the significance of these statements, noting that the minister had confirmed that “an agreement on the new Entry-Exit System could be reached soon,” a mechanism anticipated by all Andorran business leaders. The EFA and other associations have closely monitored the dossier, holding monthly meetings with the Secretary of State for European Affairs to ensure support and enhance the competitiveness of Andorran businesses within the EU single market.
Prime Minister Xavier Espot strongly defended the Association Agreement during his forum speech: “It represents an opportunity, not a threat to the country,” he said, stressing that the agreement “will not pose any risk to the Andorran Family Business Association.”
Facing current global economic challenges, Espot highlighted that EU market integration would open “the possibility to thrive in a 450-million-consumer economy” and overcome invisible barriers, such as certification requirements, which currently penalize Andorran businesses.
Armengol noted that the agreement “opens a new horizon for our companies,” ensuring connectivity and strengthening cross-border cooperation. He underscored its importance for economic development and business diversification, citing the recent EFA cycle on the future of the La Seu airport, where collaboration within the Schengen area was highlighted.
Finally, he acknowledged that the agreement implies “looking toward a Europe that may seem daunting,” but stressed that “with prudence and courage, we will face this challenge as our ancestors did”.
