Andorra Rises to 60th in RSF Press Freedom Index Amid Global Decline

Andorra has climbed five places to 60th out of 180 countries in Reporters Without Borders' (RSF) 2026 World Press Freedom Index, despite a global decline in media freedoms. The Principality's score rose slightly from 63.30 last year to 63.91 this year, when it ranked 65th.

The annual report, released this week, marks the lowest global average score in the index's 25-year history. For the first time, more than half of countries face "difficult" or "very serious" conditions for journalism. Norway tops the ranking, while Eritrea remains last. RSF attributes the worldwide deterioration to rising restrictive laws, often framed as national security measures, alongside armed conflicts and authoritarian repression.

In Andorra, the organisation points to challenges inherent to small enclaves that hinder free journalism. These include limited media plurality and ongoing interference from intertwined political and economic powers. Most outlets are owned by business figures with significant local interests. The country's small size and concentrated economic stakes limit both the number of media and their resilience.

Alongside the public broadcaster RTVA, which falls under the influence of the government in power, a handful of newspapers persists. These are led by *Diari d'Andorra* and other titles controlled by bankers and entrepreneurs. The sole news agency operates more as a communications tool than an independent news producer.

Andorra's relatively young democratic tradition—its constitution dates back just over three decades—and the sway of economic elites across institutions create an opaque system. State powers lack clear separation, leaving few independent journalists unable to serve effectively as a check on authority.

No official censorship exists, yet public media lean toward the government while private ones, held by business leaders, require little silencing. Coverage focuses on daily affairs, shies away from probing financial scandals, and tends toward self-censorship. Banking's pervasive role shapes advertising spending and thus editorial lines, without safeguards for media independence.

A conservative tradition, shaped by the Catholic Church's influence and reluctance toward plural social debates, further constrains outlets. Journalists, for instance, lack access to judges, magistrates, or other figures in an outdated judicial system for interviews or information.

Across RSF's five indicators—political, legal, economic, sociocultural, and safety—Andorra scores best politically (19th place) and on safety (also 19th). It fares worse economically (107th) and socioculturally (75th), with legal at 57th.