University of Andorra Forms Pyrenean Academic Triangle with Girona and Perpinyà for Cross-Border Research

The University of Andorra (UdA) aims to form an academic "triangle" with the universities of Girona and Perpinyà Via Domitia to drive research on Pyrenean cross-border dynamics, while focusing first on strengthening ties with immediate neighbours Alt Urgell and Arieja.

Rector Juli Minoves set out this strategic direction on Friday during the UdA campus launch of the book *La cooperació transfronterera a l’Europa del segle XXI*. The publication stems from a roundtable on 11 March 2025 organised with the Spanish embassy and Creand Crèdit Andorra, positioning it as a launchpad for the UdA's expanded role in transfrontier studies.

Minoves said the UdA wants to join existing collaborations between Girona and Perpinyà to create a specialised hub for examining mobility, economic links, shared services and administrative coordination. He described Pyrenean borders as spaces that "separate and unite at the same time," ideal for academic scrutiny, and cited models like university partnerships in France, Germany and Luxembourg, or networks in northern Europe, as blueprints for policy-shaping research.

He stressed immediate priorities with border areas, noting active discussions with the UNED's associated centre in La Seu d'Urgell to leverage proximity and Alt Urgell connections. The UdA is also pursuing links with France's Arieja department, arguing that deeper cooperation requires rigorous academic input and better data on cross-border flows. Minoves highlighted plans to work with local institutions for data collection to support future studies.

Attendees included Spanish ambassador Carles Pérez-Desoy, Creand Crèdit Andorra executive Xavier Cornella, CEI International Affairs director Joaquim Llimona, and Societat Catalana de Geografia president Rafael Giménez-Capdevila.

Minoves also updated progress on a planned university residence, with a working group involving the government, Sant Julià de Lòria commune and UdA advancing on practical and technical issues, though no timelines were given.