Andorra raises price issue

A French member of the EU Parliament has asked the Commission if the Association Agreement between the European Union and Andorra will enable tobacco-product prices to be aligned.

In a preamble to two questions, Philippe Juvin said that March 18, 2015, had seen the start of official negotiations between the EU on the one hand and Andorra, Monaco and San Marino on the other, with the aim of deepening their relations.

‘The resulting agreement will enable the three states and their economic operators to participate in the European internal market by removing the barriers currently hampering their trade,’ he said.

‘In the light of the Council Conclusions of 3 December 2018, the EU “is fully committed, and stands ready to work towards finalising the discussions on the framework of the Agreement by spring 2019”.

‘According to our information, the agreement currently being negotiated, as far as the Protocol on Andorra is concerned, will include elements aimed at resolving the issue of tobacco prices, which gives rise to a large amount of traffic at the borders.’

Juvin then asked:

‘Would the Commission kindly explain to us what the provision in the Protocol is which will enable this issue to be resolved?

‘Will this provision enable tobacco prices to be aligned?’

The Commission is due to answer the questions in writing.