Andorran Parties Propose Boosting Ties with France Across Key Sectors

Parliamentary groups Demòcrates, Andorra Endavant, and Ciutadans Compromesos have submitted a proposal calling on the government to strengthen ties with France while ensuring involvement from the Consell General.

The initiative seeks greater symmetry in Andorra's relations with its two neighbours, France and Spain, by building on historic balance. Developed within the legislative foreign affairs committee with initial cross-party input, it ultimately gained backing only from the majority groups and Andorra Endavant after PS and Concòrdia opted out at the last moment.

The proposal stems from regular meetings between the Consell General and friendship groups in France's Senate and National Assembly. These discussions highlighted challenges including fewer Andorran students choosing French universities, French imports accounting for just 10% of the total, winter mobility issues, and smuggling concerns.

It urges the government to establish fresh cooperation frameworks across education, health, economy, energy, infrastructure, and security.

In education, priorities include expanding exchanges and training with neighbouring Occitania, boosting continuous professional development for Andorran teachers in France, and easing access to higher education there.

Health measures focus on deepening ties with French oncology, geriatrics, and emergency units.

Economic steps propose assessing a special economic zone in Ariège to boost trade links.

Energy efforts back decarbonisation projects to enhance independence.

Anti-smuggling actions call for sustained work with French police and customs, including joint patrols and tobacco purchase tracking.

Infrastructure recommendations cover sustained investment in French access roads to Andorra for better winter viability, upgrades to the Andorre-l'Hospitalet rail link, revival of the Barcelona-Puigcerdà-Toulouse line connection, preservation of the winter viability agreement allowing Andorran operations on French soil during heavy snow, and exploration of a bike and hiking route via the Port de Rat tunnel at Arcalís linking Ordino valley to Auzat valley.

The text also advocates forming an European Grouping of Territorial Cooperation to pursue ambitious projects and shape a Pyrenean space.