Andorra Approves 2.6% Rent Hike for Affordable Housing in 2026

The Andorran Council of Ministers has approved a 2.6% rise in rents for the public affordable housing stock in 2026, in line with the 2024 consumer price index. This adjusts the base unit price per square metre from €9.23 to €9.47, with parish-specific rates determined by a correction factor for distance from the centre. Canillo will have the lowest at €7.95 per square metre, followed by Encamp at €9.47, Ordino at €8.81, La Massana at €8.14, Andorra la Vella and Escaldes-Engordany at €10.70, Aixovall at €9.56, and Avinguda Verge de Canòlich in Sant Julià de Lòria at €9.09, government spokesman Guillem Casal said during a press conference following the meeting.

The executive also allocated €100,000 in grants to non-profit organisations for social projects in 2026, targeting programmes for children and adolescents, people with disabilities, and the elderly. Applications are due by 20 March 2026 via the government's Tràmits Service.

In other decisions, ministers endorsed a new state bachelor's degree in international business, proposed by Minister of Institutional Relations, Education and Universities Ladislau Baró. The degree, requested by UNIPRO Universitat Digital Europea, will prepare graduates for international roles in public and private sectors, such as advisory work, consulting, finance, trade expansion, and multilateral cooperation.

Casal reported that authorities have identified 56 cases of false cross-border workers among 1,535 checks conducted from 21 July to 2 February, mainly at the Runer River in coordination with Spanish police. Of 65 people questioned, nine proved to be legal residents or properly documented for living abroad. The remaining 56 cases are unresolved: 39 await administrative decisions, while five have filed appeals—four administrative and one judicial. Casal described the 3% detection rate as low and not alarming, but stressed that checks will continue to ensure compliance amid complaints from Catalan areas like Alt Urgell about unregistered residents.

The Council further set public tariffs for police services for the first time, allowing billing for non-core tasks like event security, special transport escorts, or explosives handling. Rates include €35-€49.50 per hour per officer, €50 for vehicles or command posts, and over €6,000 per hour for the police helicopter.

Additionally, the government created an Office for Innovation under the economy ministry to implement the national innovation plan. Casal noted a yellow wind alert for valleys and orange for peaks, with the Rabassa cross-country ski championship cancelled due to the weather.