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New EU strategy for a secure, prosperous, and resilient Black Sea region 

New EU strategy for a secure, prosperous, and resilient Black Sea region  New EU strategy for a secure, prosperous, and resilient Black Sea region 
  The European Union has unveiled a new strategy aimed at fostering stability, security, and prosperity in the Black Sea region. This initiative...
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EU Commissioner Raises Alarm on Hungary’s Rule of Law

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  On May 27, 2025, the European Commissioner for Democracy, Michael McGrath, expressed serious concerns about the state of the rule of...
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Switzerland to host European Political Community summit in 2027

Switzerland to host European Political Community summit in 2027 Switzerland to host European Political Community summit in 2027
Switzerland is set to host a summit of the European Political Community (EPC) in 2027, bringing together leaders from across the continent....
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Cracks in the Union: elections reveal rising democratic strain in the EU

Cracks in the Union: elections reveal rising democratic strain in the EU Cracks in the Union: elections reveal rising democratic strain in the EU
Across Europe, the democratic fabric of the European Union is under strain as populist and nationalist movements gain momentum, challenging...
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MEPs support new tariffs on Russian and Belarusian agricultural imports

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  The European Parliament's International Trade Committee has voted to impose new tariffs on agricultural imports from Russia and Belarus,...
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Metsola urges to "re-launch Europe as a global power"

Metsola urges to "re-launch Europe as a global power" Metsola urges to "re-launch Europe as a global power"
  In a keynote address at the Europe at the Crossroads event on Tuesday, European Parliament President Roberta Metsola laid out her vision...
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Belgian Minister launches Moldova visit to dissuade asylum seekers

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  Belgium’s Minister for Asylum and Migration, Anneleen Van Bossuyt (N-VA), will visit Moldova on Sunday as part of a campaign aimed...
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France and Germany collaborate on 30-day ceasefire plan for Ukraine, Macron says

France and Germany collaborate on 30-day ceasefire plan for Ukraine, Macron says   France and Germany collaborate on 30-day ceasefire plan for Ukraine, Macron says
  French President Emmanuel Macron announced that France and Germany are working closely to support Ukraine and are actively pursuing a...
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Germany labels far-right AfD party as extremist, earning praise from Jewish leaders

Germany labels far-right AfD party as extremist, earning praise from Jewish leaders Germany labels far-right AfD party as extremist, earning praise from Jewish leaders
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Bardella poised to run for French Presidency in 2027 if Le Pen is barred

Bardella poised to run for French Presidency in 2027 if Le Pen is barred Bardella poised to run for French Presidency in 2027 if Le Pen is barred
  Jordan Bardella, president of France’s far-right National Rally party, has announced he plans to run for president in 2027 if Marine...
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Latest News

New EU strategy for a secure, prosperous, and resilient Black Sea region 

New EU strategy for a secure, prosperous, and resilient Black Sea region  New EU strategy for a secure, prosperous, and resilient Black Sea region 
  The European Union has unveiled a new strategy aimed at fostering stability, security, and prosperity in the Black Sea region. This initiative...
Read More...

EU Commissioner Raises Alarm on Hungary’s Rule of Law

EU Commissioner Raises Alarm on Hungary’s Rule of Law EU Commissioner Raises Alarm on Hungary’s Rule of Law
  On May 27, 2025, the European Commissioner for Democracy, Michael McGrath, expressed serious concerns about the state of the rule of...
Read More...

Switzerland to host European Political Community summit in 2027

Switzerland to host European Political Community summit in 2027 Switzerland to host European Political Community summit in 2027
Switzerland is set to host a summit of the European Political Community (EPC) in 2027, bringing together leaders from across the continent....
Read More...

Cracks in the Union: elections reveal rising democratic strain in the EU

Cracks in the Union: elections reveal rising democratic strain in the EU Cracks in the Union: elections reveal rising democratic strain in the EU
Across Europe, the democratic fabric of the European Union is under strain as populist and nationalist movements gain momentum, challenging...
Read More...

MEPs support new tariffs on Russian and Belarusian agricultural imports

MEPs support new tariffs on Russian and Belarusian agricultural imports MEPs support new tariffs on Russian and Belarusian agricultural imports
  The European Parliament's International Trade Committee has voted to impose new tariffs on agricultural imports from Russia and Belarus,...
Read More...

Metsola urges to "re-launch Europe as a global power"

Metsola urges to "re-launch Europe as a global power" Metsola urges to "re-launch Europe as a global power"
  In a keynote address at the Europe at the Crossroads event on Tuesday, European Parliament President Roberta Metsola laid out her vision...
Read More...

Belgian Minister launches Moldova visit to dissuade asylum seekers

Belgian Minister launches Moldova visit to dissuade asylum seekers Belgian Minister launches Moldova visit to dissuade asylum seekers
  Belgium’s Minister for Asylum and Migration, Anneleen Van Bossuyt (N-VA), will visit Moldova on Sunday as part of a campaign aimed...
Read More...

France and Germany collaborate on 30-day ceasefire plan for Ukraine, Macron says

France and Germany collaborate on 30-day ceasefire plan for Ukraine, Macron says   France and Germany collaborate on 30-day ceasefire plan for Ukraine, Macron says
  French President Emmanuel Macron announced that France and Germany are working closely to support Ukraine and are actively pursuing a...
Read More...

Germany labels far-right AfD party as extremist, earning praise from Jewish leaders

Germany labels far-right AfD party as extremist, earning praise from Jewish leaders Germany labels far-right AfD party as extremist, earning praise from Jewish leaders
  Germany has officially classified the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party as an extremist organization, granting intelligence...
Read More...

Bardella poised to run for French Presidency in 2027 if Le Pen is barred

Bardella poised to run for French Presidency in 2027 if Le Pen is barred Bardella poised to run for French Presidency in 2027 if Le Pen is barred
  Jordan Bardella, president of France’s far-right National Rally party, has announced he plans to run for president in 2027 if Marine...
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Andorra, a small landlocked country located in the eastern Pyrenees mountains between France and Spain, has long maintained a unique position in Europe. With a population of

approximately 77,000 people and a prosperous economy mainly reliant on tourism and banking, Andorra has managed to thrive without being a part of the European Union (EU). This article delves into the reasons why Andorra has chosen not to pursue EU membership, exploring the advantages and disadvantages of maintaining its current status.

Sovereignty and Independence

One of the primary reasons Andorra has been reluctant to join the EU is its commitment to maintaining its sovereignty and independence. As a small nation with a distinct culture and history, Andorra has a desire to retain control over its domestic policies, trade agreements, and economic decisions without being subject to the regulations and directives imposed by the EU.

Fiscal Autonomy

Andorra has developed a unique and advantageous fiscal system that has allowed it to attract foreign investments and foster economic growth. The country operates on a low-tax regime, which has been instrumental in attracting both tourists and multinational corporations. Becoming a member of the EU would likely require Andorra to adopt common tax policies, which might impact its competitive advantage and attractiveness as a financial hub.

Customs and Border Control

Another key aspect that sets Andorra apart from the EU is its control over customs and border regulations. Being outside the EU's customs union grants the country greater flexibility in setting its own trade policies, including tariffs and import regulations. This has contributed to Andorra's ability to negotiate advantageous trade deals with both EU and non-EU countries.

Smaller Economies' Concerns

Andorra is part of the European Economic Area (EEA) but not the EU, which allows it to access the EU's single market without being an official member. Many smaller economies like Andorra have expressed concerns about the challenges and complexities of complying with EU regulations, which are often tailored to larger member states. The fear of being overwhelmed by EU bureaucracy and the potential lack of influence in decision-making processes have made the prospect of EU membership less appealing to Andorra.

Bilateral Relations

By maintaining its current status, Andorra enjoys the flexibility to engage in bilateral relations with both EU and non-EU countries. This freedom allows the nation to pursue its interests and establish mutually beneficial agreements without being tied to EU-wide policies.

Conclusion

Despite its geographical proximity to the EU and its integration into the European Economic Area, Andorra has chosen not to pursue EU membership. The country's commitment to sovereignty, fiscal autonomy, and maintaining control over its customs and border regulations has led it to remain independent from the EU. While the benefits of EU membership are evident for many nations, Andorra's unique circumstances and priorities make it content with its current position as an autonomous nation thriving on its own terms. Photo by Tiia Monto, Wikimedia commons.

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