Macron champions an Andorra open to immigration and integrated into the European project
The French Co-Prince defends the contribution of foreign residents and describes Europe as Andorra’s “natural horizon”
Emmanuel Macron used his Meritxell Day message to defend an Andorra that is open to others, receptive to immigration and increasingly integrated into European structures.
The French Co-Prince identified cooperation, continental solidarity and the mobility of people as pillars of the Principality’s future.
In his institutional address, Macron stated that “Europe remains our natural horizon” and presented the Association Agreement as the instrument that should consolidate Andorra’s closer relationship with the European Union. According to the French president, the agreement will help advance the country’s projects and create new opportunities for young Andorrans.
Macron argued that Europe’s strength lies in mutual assistance and said solidarity between states is not an abstract idea, but a mechanism that facilitates the mobilisation of resources, access to funding and a coordinated response to climate, social and health crises.
Explicit recognition of immigration
One of the most politically significant sections of the speech was Macron’s recognition of the immigrant communities established in Andorra and the people who will arrive in the country during the forthcoming winter season.
The French Co-Prince highlighted that these workers contribute “their labour, their talent and, very often, their enthusiasm.” According to Macron, the immigrant population plays a full role in the Principality’s economic growth and social vitality.
The message therefore projects a vision of Andorra based on openness, the integration of foreign residents and supranational cooperation, at a time when the country is debating population growth, pressure on housing and the capacity of public services.
Macron also linked the celebration of Meritxell Day to fraternity and openness towards others, two values that, he argued, should guide the country throughout the year.
The Association Agreement as a path towards integration
The Co-Prince presented the Association Agreement as a balance between economic integration and national sovereignty. He argued that Andorrans will be able to live, work, study or retire in EU member states, while the Principality will retain a quota system that will also apply to EU citizens.
Macron described this arrangement as an “unparalleled asymmetric solution” and said it would allow Andorra to retain control over immigration and ensure orderly population growth.
In this way, he sought to reconcile his support for mobility and immigration with existing concerns about the country’s size and capacity to absorb further growth.
The French president also stated that the agreement is about to be signed and placed the referendum after its signature but before ratification by the General Council.
His Meritxell Day message therefore represents a clear defence of Andorra’s closer relationship with the EU, European cooperation and the role of immigration in the Principality’s development.
