Brussels, 24 January 2023
The members of the Foreign Affairs Committee in the European Parliament held an exchange of views with Maroš Šefčovič, Vice-President of the European Commission for Interinstitutional Relations and Foresight, on EU relations with Switzerland, and Andorra, Monaco, San Marino, and Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway.
Željana Zovko, EPP shadow rapporteur on the relations with Andorra, Monaco and San Marino participated in the debate and stated that she closely monitors the negotiations of the association agreement with the EU and the three states.
“I welcome the progress made since the transfer of the file to the Commission. This action created a momentum and allowed the parties to take the necessary steps to advance in the negotiations.” Zovko stated and added that agreement will be a milestone that integrates the three countries’ economy in the EU market while respecting the four freedoms.
She said that the three countries indicated to be committed to finalise the negotiations by the end of this year as foreseen in the Commission’s roadmap. “This objective will require compromises and creative thinking from all negotiating parties, keeping in mind the characteristics of the three small states.” Zovko said.
Zovko further called on the Commission to work closer with the three states on health policies. These states needed to overcome many obstacles to obtain European vaccines during the covid pandemic, which formed a health and security risk for their neighbouring European states.
In addition, Zovko reiterated that since Andorra, Monaco and San Marino are European states, they should also be included in the European Political Community. The Commission confirmed that the states have received an invitation for the next Summit of the new political format in Moldova later this year.