Catalan Delegation in Andorra Marks Third Anniversary with Key Achievements

The Catalan government's delegation in Andorra has reached its third anniversary this spring, marking three years since Anna Vives became its first delegate in early April 2023.

Established by the Generalitat de Catalunya, the office has served as the primary channel for strengthening institutional links with Andorra's government, advancing Catalan priorities in economic, cultural, and educational spheres, and assisting the local Catalan community. In partnership with Andorra's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, it has driven two joint work plans covering 2024-2026 and 2026-2030. The first plan established four thematic groups—health, infrastructure, waste management and energy/environment, plus a cross-border challenges group. The second expands to seven groups, keeping health, infrastructure, and cross-border issues; combining waste and environment; and introducing interior and public security, social affairs, and language and culture. Each group follows a quarterly meeting schedule. Over the period, these efforts have produced around 40 technical meetings, alongside more than 200 sessions with economic, social, and cultural bodies.

Key achievements span several fields. Mobility saw EU funding secured for Tramvalira project development. In health, agreements cover cornea donations and updated protocols between Catalonia's SEM emergency service and Andorra's SAAS for urgent patient transfers. Fire services formalized pacts on prevention, firefighting, and rescues. Other advances include monitoring waste export-import arrangements and initial steps toward a European Grouping of Territorial Cooperation.

Economically, the delegation aided Catalan agrofood producers' market entry, including at the Andorra-Pyrenees Gastronomic Fair, and supported companies building a presence in Andorra. Culturally and educationally, it backed the TenimTalent artist initiative, co-organized Ull Nu LAB during the festival, facilitated performances by leading Catalan artists, and boosted university participation at the Connecta career fair. It also created the "Study in Catalonia: Frequently Asked Questions" guide for Andorran students and families, covering residency, public health access, banking, and related matters; distributed to schools and Connecta attendees.

For the Catalan community, resources include a welcome guide with video overviews of Andorran life, and the "Friends of the Delegation" platform for updates, events, and integration aid.

Delegate Anna Vives described the work as a "long-distance race" involving discreet, time-intensive files, but emphasized progress on shared priorities and a stronger governmental relationship.