Andorra and Spain sign three agreements and make progress on implementing the EU border pact

Andorra and Spain have signed three agreements during Spanish Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares’s visit to the Principality. The texts cover the sharing of confiscated criminal assets, cultural collaboration with the Instituto Cervantes, and diplomatic training and cooperation.

Andorra’s Foreign Minister, Imma Tor, outlined the agreements at a joint press conference with Albares. She also highlighted work to implement the agreement with the European Union on border management and preparations for further bilateral agreements.

Tor linked Andorra’s closer ties with the EU to stronger relations with Spain. She argued that the Principality’s participation in the European single market would consolidate the area of “cooperation and shared prosperity” between the two countries.

Three agreements on confiscated assets, culture and diplomacy

The first agreement concerns the sharing of confiscated instruments and proceeds of crime. These include assets used in criminal activities and resources obtained from them.

The visit also saw the signing of a memorandum of understanding with the Instituto Cervantes, which Tor described as a cultural initiative, and a further memorandum on diplomatic training and cooperation.

The minister presented the agreements as an expression of bilateral understanding. In this excerpt from the press conference, however, she did not detail how the three texts would be implemented or provide a timetable.

Negotiations to implement the border agreement

The working meeting addressed negotiations on the agreements needed to implement the EU border management pact, Tor explained.

This issue remains among the matters under discussion between the two governments. The minister identified it as one of the main topics covered during the meeting, without specifying which aspects of the negotiations remain unresolved or when an agreement is expected.

Tor distinguished this work from other agreements that the meeting had helped finalise and that both countries expect to sign shortly.

Further agreements on detainees and civil protection

The agreements awaiting signature concern the temporary transfer of detained persons for medical reasons and civil protection.

“The working meeting allowed us to address many of the ongoing issues,” the minister said, adding that the talks had also helped finalise these texts, “which we hope to sign shortly.”

The announcement places these two areas among the next steps in bilateral cooperation, although Tor did not provide a specific signing date.

Tor highlights Spain’s support in relations with the EU

The foreign minister stressed that relations with Spain also have a European dimension. She thanked Spain for supporting the Principality in its dealings with the European Union.

“This mutual understanding we have with Spain not only consolidates our excellent bilateral relations, but is also reflected in Spain’s support in areas that go beyond them, particularly in relations with the European Union,” she said.

Tor thus presented Andorra’s participation in the European single market as a way to strengthen cooperation and shared prosperity, as both governments advance the agreements that will put their collaboration into practice.