Andorra Parliament Approves Omnibus Law 2 on Sustainable Growth and Housing

**Title:** Andorra Parliament Approves Second Omnibus Law on Sustainable Growth and Housing **Summary:** The Consell General passes the Law on Continuity and Consolidation of Measures for Sustainable Growth with majority support, amid opposition criticism over housing shortages and foreign investment; government highlights 340 tourist apartments shifted to rentals and contacts with over 800 owners of empty flats.

**Body:** The Consell General approved the Project of Law on Continuity and Consolidation of Measures for Sustainable Growth—known as Omnibus Law 2—on Thursday, securing 16 votes in favour from the government majority and eight against from opposition groups. The legislation builds on the original Omnibus Law passed in March 2025, tightening rules on housing, foreign investment, immigration, and commercial activities to promote balanced economic expansion.

Economy, Presidency, Labour, and Housing Minister Conxita Marsol hailed the measures as the government's "roadmap" for tackling the housing crisis. She noted that restrictions on tourist apartments in buildings where they exceed 30% of units have prompted 340 such properties to convert to residential rentals within under a year. The government has also identified vacant and neglected flats, contacting more than 800 owners to encourage market listings and avoid compulsory transfers. Marsol stressed ongoing collaboration with municipalities and electricity firms for enforcement, alongside plans for progressive rent market deregulation by March.

The law raises minimum investments for passive residents to €1 million—or €800,000 in property—plus a €50,000 non-refundable contribution for social or housing policies. Self-employed foreigners face the same deposit, excluding qualified professionals. Foreign property investment taxes double to 6% on the first purchase and 10% thereafter. It empowers the executive to restrict high-impact businesses offering limited socioeconomic value, enhances family reunification checks, and eases intra-company mobility for temporary workers.

Opposition parties, including PS and Concòrdia, rejected the bill despite commission amendments, calling it insufficient to curb speculation. PS leader Pere Baró described it as failing to centre housing or halt foreign buying, labelling it an "emergency" unmet by the text. Concòrdia head Cerni Escalé argued it allows ongoing foreign property acquisitions amid market strain, potentially conflicting with EU association talks and burdening Andorran expats abroad with investment taxes. Demòcrates councillor Maria Martisella defended the "balanced" approach for regulated immigration and business selectivity.

Unió Sindical d'Andorra (USdA) treasurer Joan Torra dismissed the law's impact, warning of endless "Omnibus 3 and 4" without ending speculation or securing housing rights. He linked it to broader labour issues flagged in the recent European Committee of Social Rights report, citing weak union rights and only four collective agreements.

Fiscal advisors criticised the passive resident hikes as "populist" with short-term appeal, potentially unsustainable under EU ties. Marsol committed to cross-party work on rent thaw, while opposition vowed continued pushes for affordable housing laws.

Separately, parliamentary groups agreed not to amend forthcoming labour relations law changes, stemming from employer-union consensus via the Economic and Social Council. This addresses Article 5 gaps from the ECSR review on trade union freedoms, with approval expected unanimously in March and deeper reforms planned later.