| Andorra |
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Since the establishment of sovereignty with the ratification of the constitution in 1993, Andorra has moved to become an active member of the international community. In July 1993, Andorra established its first diplomatic mission in the world to the United Nations. In early 1995, the United States and Andorra established formal diplomatic relations. Andorra also has expanded relations with other nations.
Andorra maintains six embassies abroad: in Austria, Belgium, France, Spain, Portugal and the United States (in New York).[1] The principality's permanent mission to the United Nations in New York also serves as their embassy to the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
France, Spain and Portugal have embassies in Andorra. Switzerland has a Consulate General in Andorra.[2]
Foreign affairs are supervised by the Ministry of External Affairs (Catalan: Ministeri d'Afers Exteriors).
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Andorra is a full member of the United Nations (UN), United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), International Criminal Court (ICC), International Centre for the Study of the Preservation and Restoration of Cultural Property (ICCROM), International Telecommunications Union (ITU), International Red Cross, Universal Copyright Convention, Council of Europe, EUTELSAT, World Tourism Organization, Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), Customs Cooperation Council (CCC), and Interpol. Since 1991, Andorra has had a special agreement with the European Union.
Disputes - international: none
On June 8, 2011 Andorra became the 76th member state of the United Nations to recognize the independence of Kosovo[a]. Kosovo Minister of Foreign Affairs stated that the two countries will form diplomatic relations very shortly. Previously in 2008, Andorra was hesitant to recognize Republic of Kosovo independence due to a possible precedent in the region and due to the pressure of Spain.
The United States established diplomatic relations with Andorra on February 21, 1995. The two countries are on excellent terms. The U.S. Ambassador to Spain is also accredited as Ambassador to Andorra. United States Consulate General officials based in Barcelona are responsible for the day-to-day conduct of relations with Andorra. The then-Permanent Representative of Andorra to the United Nations, Carles Font-Rossell, was accredited as Andorra’s first Ambassador to the United States as of March 14, 2008.[3] The current Ambassador, serving since 2 November 2009, is Narcís Casal de Fonsdeviela.[4]
Andorra has had a customs union with the European Union (EU) since 1991 though it excludes agricultural produce. Andorra also maintains its border controls by staying outside of Schengen, though citizens holding a Schengen visa can usually enter. Andorra is the only microstate to use the euro without an official agreement, though Andorra is in talks with the EU over an agreement that would allow it to mint its own coins.
Notes:
| a. | ^ Kosovo is the subject of a territorial dispute between the Republic of Serbia and the self-proclaimed Republic of Kosovo. The latter declared independence on 17 February 2008, while Serbia claims it as part of its own sovereign territory. Its independence is recognised by 86 UN member states. |
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