Andorra la Vella Approves €60.5M 2026 Budget with 152 Projects

Andorra la Vella parish council has approved a €60.5 million budget for 2026, directing €13.042 million—21% of the total and an 18% increase over 2025—toward 152 projects across three key areas: people-centred services, urban quality of life and economic development, and natural environment with sports facilities.

Consuls Sergi González and Olalla Losada presented the plans at Monday's press conference, calling them "budgets with soul" shaped by resident input. They emphasised the parish's role as the nation's "engine," providing oversized services for its 25,000 residents, plus workers, visitors and national events. These include expanded traffic management, administrative buildings, schools and open childcare spots for non-residents from other parishes.

Housing and elderly care dominate funding. The €920,000 Edifici del Cedre initiative in Santa Coloma will create 30 affordable units via government transfer, a new Casa Pairal and public square to tackle population ageing and equipment shortages. Another €750,000 funds phased facade and interior upgrades at Calones through 2027, limiting resident disruption, while a matching sum reactivates vacant homes at Edifici Jaume I under the Reviu programme for quick occupancy. Espai Capital gets €500,000 for design of a square, parking, events space and upper-level Casa Pairal, with construction eyed for late 2026 or early 2027 post-tender. Borda del Tossal receives €100,000 to become Espai Arrels, hosting heritage-tied cultural, educational and intergenerational activities.

Urban improvements feature €1 million to complete Santa Coloma's separated sewer network; €500,000 for Ciutat de Valls reorganisation and Aigüeta-Europa passageway enhancements; €400,000 for Vall and Pui streets paving; €300,000 for Bonaventura Riberaygua utilities and sidewalks; and €404,938 for public spaces near Edifici Node on Meritxell avenue and the former firefighters' barracks.

Environment and sports allocations include €700,000 for Obaga de Santa Coloma's forest track and firebreak to boost woodland access; €268,579 for the river promenade's second phase as a daily gathering spot; €450,000 for Centre Esportiu dels Serradells changing rooms; and €350,000 for Estadi Comunal's covered pavilion interior to support year-round use, building on 2025 work. New items: €85,000 for family-requested playgrounds and €35,000 to launch climate shelters in municipal buildings against summer heatwaves and winter cold.

The consuls maintain Andorra la Vella merits higher central government transfers for its national services but have raised the issue only with the government, not other parishes. They back a cost study to quantify burdens and support a "capital premium." Losada noted such data would bolster claims, while González called it essential for objective evidence. On urban planning, González said survey results from community meetings are now mapped, targeting draft plans by end of Q1 2026, followed by owner talks and public exhibition by June for participatory neighbourhood renewal. He avoided details on sites like Parc Central until further consultation.