Kombos and Andorran foreign minister discuss EU association agreement

New York, United States. Foreign Minister Constantinos Kombos and Andorran Foreign Minister Imma Tor Faus discussed progress in relations between Andorra and the European Union during a meeting on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly on Monday.

Tor Faus thanked Kombos for Cyprus’ support during its presidency of the Council of the EU in securing council approval of the association agreement in July.

Association agreement

The Council of the EU approved the agreement two and a half years after negotiations had concluded. During Cyprus’ six-month rotating presidency of the council, Kombos sought to bridge differences between EU member states and candidate countries for association agreements.

The EU had intended to sign agreements with Andorra and San Marino simultaneously. However, talks with San Marino had stalled because of a disagreement with Bulgaria.

The differences were later resolved, enabling the council to approve agreements with both countries slightly more than two weeks after the end of Cyprus’ presidency.

Market access and cooperation

According to the council, the agreement provides for the participation of Andorra and San Marino in a homogeneous extended internal market, under equal conditions of competition and with the same rules applying across the EU.

It also regulates financial services, granting the two countries progressive access to this part of the EU internal market, subject to a successful audit of the robustness of their regulatory and supervisory frameworks.

The agreement will also give EU authorities a role in monitoring those frameworks.

It will establish a framework for dialogue and cooperation in areas of common interest, including research and development, education, social policy, the environment, consumer protection, culture and regional cooperation.

EU reaction

In July, Irish European Affairs Minister Thomas Byrne said the agreement would pave the way for a stronger, mutually beneficial and forward-looking partnership.

He said the agreement safeguards the EU single market, provides legal certainty, benefits people and supports future prosperity across the region and Europe.