Andorra Approves 11 New Police Officers, Arts Grants, Exams and Cinema Subsidies

The Andorran Council of Ministers has approved the incorporation of 11 new police officers, who will begin a nine-month training period on 1 April alongside nine others who passed a selection process in December. This will bring the total police force to 286 agents, including those in training and on probation. The decision, proposed by Justice and Interior Minister Ester Molné, supports the creation of a dedicated unit at Pas de la Casa to strengthen efforts against tobacco smuggling.

In a separate move, the government has launched the third edition of grants for musical artists' professionalisation, with a €40,000 budget overseen by Culture Minister Mònica Bonell. Requirements have been relaxed to include digital formats, removing the need for two published albums. Applications open 2 April and close 3 May via the eTràmits portal, with evaluations by a committee from the ministry and Andorra Business.

The Council has also called for the official secondary education graduation exam for independent candidates in June 2026. Registrations run from 9 to 23 April through eTràmits. Written tests are set for 2 and 3 June, followed by oral exams in Catalan, Spanish and French on 4 June. Results will appear on 17 June on the ministry website.

Meanwhile, the government has allocated €30,000 for 2026 to subsidise tickets at Cinemes Illa Carlemany, reducing prices to €4 for Catalan-language films in original versions, dubs or subtitles. This follows a 2023 agreement with the venue's management, with the Culture, Youth and Sports ministry covering the difference from standard rates. Announced last week during a parliamentary session, the initiative aims to promote the official language in cultural activities. The amount is less than the €37,500 budgeted for 2025, which went unspent. Last year, 21 Catalan films screened there, drawing 5,517 viewers—a decline mirrored in other language groups.

Online registration continues for the second round of official Catalan exams, from A1 to C2 levels, on 5, 6, 13 and 19 June. After a record 900-plus participants last time, sessions are scheduled by level: A2 on 5 June, C1 and C2 on 6 June, B1 and B2 on 13 June, and A1 on 19 June. Sign-ups are open from 13 April at 8am to 20 April at 3pm via eTràmits for €17.15. Friday exams take place at the Centre d’Exàmens de Sant Julià de Lòria, Saturdays at the Escola Andorrana de segona ensenyança de Santa Coloma. Adjustments are available for special needs. Results post on 2 July at 10am on the government site, with oral schedules from 1 June and email notifications for updates. Exams test listening, reading, writing, speaking, grammar and vocabulary. Reports vary on the registration deadline—most say 20 April, one cites 15 April—with no official clarification.