Upcoming Demonstration in San Marino
On October 1, 2025, the San Marino-based association 'I Capi Famiglia' is scheduled to organize a demonstration in the capital to advocate for a consultative referendum concerning the Association Agreement with the European Union. The protest is planned to coincide with the inauguration ceremony of the new Captains Regent and a visit by European Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič.
The demonstration is slated to commence at 10:00 AM from Piazza Sant'Agata, proceeding towards Piazza della Libertà. Organizers have framed the event as a civic demonstration, emphasizing 'unity and strong expression of popular will' following the Guarantor Board's decision regarding their referendum request.
Context of the EU Association Agreement
Negotiations for a comprehensive Association Agreement between the European Union, Andorra, and San Marino concluded in December 2023. The European Commission formally proposed decisions for the agreement's signing and conclusion in April 2024. This agreement is designed to provide San Marino with extensive access to the EU's internal market, comparable to the European Economic Area (EEA) Agreement, and has been described as going even further, an 'EEA plus'.
The agreement encompasses key areas such as the free movement of goods, persons, services, and capital, alongside various horizontal EU policies. San Marino's Foreign Affairs Minister, Luca Beccari, has underscored the agreement's importance for the nation's full integration into the EU's Single Market while safeguarding its unique institutional frameworks. The agreement will require ratification, including parliamentary approval in San Marino.
'I Capi Famiglia' and Referendum Efforts
'I Capi Famiglia' is a spontaneous association that has officially submitted a request for a consultative referendum on San Marino's association with the European Union. The planned demonstration on October 1, 2025, follows the Guarantor Board's reported failure to approve their proposed referendum on the EU agreement. The association previously held a public meeting on September 25, 2025, to coordinate efforts for collecting signatures for the referendum, pending the Guarantor Board's decision.
San Marino has a history of referendums concerning its relationship with the EU. A 2013 referendum on EU membership, while receiving a majority 'yes' vote, ultimately failed due to low voter turnout, as it did not meet the required 32% quorum of eligible voters.
San Marino's Relationship with the European Union
The Republic of San Marino, entirely surrounded by Italy, established diplomatic relations with the EU in 1983. The microstate has maintained a customs union with the EU since 1991, which was updated in 2002, and utilizes the Euro as its official currency. The conclusion of the Association Agreement negotiations represents a significant step in the ongoing integration efforts between San Marino and the European Union.
5 Comments
Manolo Noriega
The 'EEA plus' model sounds very beneficial for San Marino's economy and citizens. Still, ignoring the call for a consultative referendum risks alienating a significant portion of the population who simply want their say.
Ongania
It's important for San Marino to modernize its ties with the EU, but the government's handling of the referendum request seems to be fueling public mistrust. Transparency and engagement are crucial for such a pivotal decision.
Manolo Noriega
This EU agreement is vital for San Marino's future prosperity. It's a smart move for economic growth!
Fuerza
Why are they afraid of a referendum? What are they hiding about this agreement?
Manolo Noriega
While the economic benefits of EU market access are clear, the public's desire for a referendum on such a significant agreement is understandable. A truly democratic process requires public consultation.