Imma Tor Says the EU Already Considers Andorra "Almost an Associated State"

Andorra's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Imma Tor, stated on Friday that the European Union already considers the Principality "almost an associated state", following the special treatment secured during negotiations over the country's border management arrangements.

The statement was made during a public hearing before Andorra's General Council, where the Government presented details of its border management agreement with the European Union.

Tor appeared alongside Minister of Justice and Interior Ester Molné and Secretary of State for Relations with the European Union Landry Riba.

"The EU already considers us practically an associated state," Tor declared, arguing that the agreement provides Andorra with more favourable treatment than would normally be granted to a non-EU country.

Imma Tor: “ La UE ja considera Andorra un estat associat” https://t.co/JfUV1T3fwO

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The minister linked this outcome to Andorra's diplomatic relationship with Brussels and the broader process surrounding the EU-Andorra Association Agreement, signed on October 19, 2026.

Andorra avoids systematic border checks with Spain and France

One of Tor's main arguments concerned the potential consequences of applying the European Union's Entry/Exit System (EES) under the standard rules governing external borders.

According to the minister, Andorra could have faced systematic border checks at its crossings with Spain and France if it had been subjected to the ordinary EU external border framework.

The Government believes that such a scenario would have caused serious economic disruption and created significant difficulties for residents, cross-border workers and tourists.

Tor explained that, despite concerns raised during negotiations, Spain and France have maintained the existing system of random border checks, allowing the practical operation of Andorra's borders to remain largely unchanged.

She also stated that the implementation of the new European system has not, so far, significantly affected the arrival of workers from non-EU countries.

Border agreement will expand travel rights for non-EU residents

The Foreign Minister highlighted three main benefits that the Government expects from the negotiated agreement.

The first involves allowing third-country nationals legally residing in Andorra to travel across the Schengen Area under the conditions established by the future legal framework.

This would represent a significant improvement for residents whose nationalities currently require a visa to enter certain European countries.

The second benefit concerns internal security, with more extensive background checks and access to relevant security information before residence permits are issued.

Finally, Tor emphasised stronger police cooperation with Spain, France and other European Union member states.

Together, these measures are intended to provide Andorra with a specific border management framework rather than applying the standard European rules governing third countries.

However, the new travel arrangements are not yet in force and will depend on the completion of the relevant approval and ratification procedures.

Imma Tor links the border agreement to closer EU relations

During her appearance, Tor argued that Brussels' willingness to negotiate a specific border regime reflects the broader institutional rapprochement between Andorra and the European Union.

According to the minister, negotiations on the border management agreement are "closely linked" to the shared intention of moving forward with the Association Agreement.

She recalled that the border management text was initialled in March 2026, while the Association Agreement was formally signed on October 19.

Nevertheless, the signing of the EU-Andorra Association Agreement does not mean that it has entered into force or that Andorra has formally acquired a new legal status within the European Union.

The minister's remarks refer to what she considers preferential treatment granted by Brussels during these specific negotiations, rather than an official change in Andorra's legal relationship with the EU.

This distinction is particularly relevant because association agreements establish specific legal and institutional relationships between the European Union and third countries, but their signing alone does not automatically activate the rights and obligations they contain.

A privileged relationship with Brussels, according to the Government

Tor concluded that the border management agreement represents an improvement compared with the situation Andorra might have faced under the standard European rules applicable to third countries.

The Foreign Minister believes that Andorra has secured treatment comparable to that of a country enjoying a privileged relationship with the European Union, particularly regarding mobility, security and police cooperation.

The Government argues that negotiations have helped preserve the existing operation of the country's borders while creating the basis for expanded travel rights for certain foreign residents.

For the Andorran authorities, the agreement demonstrates Brussels' willingness to accommodate the Principality's geographical and institutional circumstances.

However, the suggestion that Andorra is already regarded as an associated state remains a political assessment made by Imma Tor, rather than confirmation that the Association Agreement has entered into force.

The implementation of the border management agreement will still depend on its formal approval and the completion of the necessary legal procedures.