1 October 2025

The outcome of the official visit to San Marino by the European Commissioner, Maroš Šefčovič, as official speaker for the Ceremony of Investiture of the Captains Regent, H.E. Matteo Rossi and H.E. Lorenzo Bugli was very positive.

Yesterday evening, Commissioner Šefčovič, accompanied by a diplomatic delegation, was received in audience by the outgoing Captains Regent, in the presence of the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Luca Beccari.

During the meeting, Commissioner Šefčovič pointed out that the Association Agreement negotiated with San Marino and Andorra represents an understanding “unprecedented in its ambition with the depth and breadth of cooperation it envisages not only in goods and services, but across research, education, financial integrity, and regulatory alignment, bringing opportunities in all these fields”

The Commissioner also gave reassurances on the position of the European institutions, which recognise the Republic of San Marino as a reliable partner, reaffirming their common commitment to converting the negotiated text into concrete benefits for San Marino citizens and businesses, and for the whole European family.

This morning, a bilateral meeting was also held between Minister Beccari and Commissioner Šefčovič, with their technical and diplomatic delegations. During the meeting the work of Minister Beccari in giving an active impetus for the conclusion of the negotiation was highlighted. Moreover, some legal and procedural issues were discussed, on which the European Commission has expressed his full willingness to provide all kinds of technical assistance during the implementation phase of the agreement, supporting the San Marino institutions and administration with specific training courses.

The Association Agreement was also a focus point of the Official Speech of the Commissioner during the Ceremony of Investiture. In his speech, Šefčovič recalled that relations between San Marino and the European Union are already united by agreements and forms of cooperation; however, he stressed that “the Association Agreement includes arrangements and solutions tailor-made to the specific nature of your country, that fully respect San Marino’s sovereignty while ensuring greater integration where it can have the most impact.”

During the negotiation process, protective measures were envisaged, including transitional provisions and the non-compulsory application of Community law in areas not linked to economic activity.

With regards to timing, Commissioner Šefčovič set the objective of signing the Agreement by the end of the year, while its entry into force and provisional application will occur next spring, depending on the decision on the mixed or exclusive nature of the Agreement.

In concluding his speech, Commissioner Šefčovič thanked the Danish Presidency of the Council of the European Union for its efforts and expressed the hope that San Marino citizens and businesses may benefit as soon as possible from the positive effects of the entry into force of the Agreement.