Andorra Parliament Unanimously Approves National Property Register

The Consell General has unanimously approved the initial parliamentary consideration of a proposició de llei to establish a national Property Register, marking a major step toward enhancing legal security and transparency in Andorra's real estate market.

The measure, led by the Democratic parliamentary group, received support from all parties despite opposition criticism over the long delay—first proposed in 1939 and stemming from a November 2023 agreement. Jordi Jordana, the group's president, described it as a "national model" registering rights rather than titles, fully electronic, and mandatory with gradual implementation starting with existing buildings. He confirmed the majority will incorporate government requests to review timelines, citing challenges like IT system deployment and selecting property registrars. Head of Government Xavier Espot called it a "constitutional milestone" aligned with European standards, vital amid rising property transactions.

Opposition figures welcomed the tool as essential for modern states but noted its tardiness amid housing data shortages. Social Democrat leader Susanna Vela stressed its value for housing information, while Andorra Endavant's Carine Montaner pledged constructive amendments. Concòrdia’s Pol Bartolomé highlighted the need for prior real rights regulation.

In other unanimous approvals by assentiment:

- A new Consell General reglament strengthens transparency, including mandatory appearances before investigation committees, stricter financial controls, bans on supplemental salaries to avoid past irregularities, expanded information access, and remote voting provisions. A Social Democrat proposal for end-of-term indemnities was rejected.

- Amendments to the Trademarks Law prevent registering cultural heritage elements for private use, following the Ordino bear head controversy. Minister Conxita Marsol emphasised protecting collective patrimony from privatisation, with clear denial criteria and judicial oversight. An opposition amendment requires prior Cultural Heritage Department reports.

- Updates to fees for the Agència de Qualitat de l’Ensenyament Superior (AQUA), deemed "significant but justified" due to workload increases, as noted by Minister Ladislau Baró.

The session closed with ratification of two UN protocols against transnational organised crime: one targeting illicit migrant smuggling by land, sea, and air; the other combating illegal manufacturing and trafficking of firearms, parts, components, and ammunition. Minister Imma Tor described them as essential for effective action.