Adoption of mandate to negotiate association agreements with Andorra, Monaco and San Marino

Further information:

The agreements aim to provide for the participation of these countries in the EU's single market and cooperation in other policy areas. Their level of market access should in due course be comparable to that enjoyed by the non-EU European Economic Area (EEA) member states.

Background information:

This milestone follows up on these countries' stated interest in building closer relations with the European Union. Taken together, these countries accumulate a combined population of almost 150,000 and enjoy close ties with their respective neighbouring EU Member States.

The decision was adopted at a meeting of the General Affairs Council.

The Council of the European Union adopted on 16 December 2014 a decision authorising the European Commission to open negotiations on the Association Agreements in place with Andorra, Monaco and San Marino.