Macron, As Andorra’s Co‑Prince, Urges Abortion Depenalization and EU Deal

Overview

• Macron, wrapping up a two‑day visit Tuesday in Andorra, called for the principality to “progress” toward depenalizing abortion and pressed leaders to approve an EU association agreement, warning that delay could shut the door.
• Andorra is one of Europe’s last places with a total abortion ban that carries criminal penalties, while its prime minister has said he hopes to remove those penalties within about a year without legalizing the procedure.
• The proposed EU association would let Andorra take part in the single market without joining the Union, and officials say the text will go to a national referendum before it can take effect.
• The trip mixed ceremony and policy work as Macron met the bishop of Urgell, conferred with the head of government, addressed the public, received the Croix des Sept Bras, visited schools, and toured a hydroelectric site where EDF plans investment.
• Andorra’s setup is a rare diarchy dating to 13th‑century ‘paréage’ pacts that made the French head of state and the bishop of Urgell co‑princes, a role that today is largely symbolic but still includes signing laws and representing the state.