Catalonia's Illa Backs Tax Tools for Organyà Zone to Lure Andorran Firms

Salvador Illa, president of the Generalitat de Catalunya, expressed support on Friday for developing tailored tax instruments to make Organyà's proposed special economic zone attractive to Andorran businesses, while stressing that Catalan and Pyrenean interests must remain protected.

Speaking at the 37th Trobada Empresarial al Pirineu in La Seu d'Urgell, Illa described the Organyà project in Alt Urgell as promising. He noted that his government, in coordination with Joan Ganyet, the commissioner for Inter-Pyrenean Relations, is exploring fiscal tools to position the zone as a development driver. "We will provide it with the necessary tax instruments to make it a lung for growth," he said, adding that such measures could draw Principality firms without harming local businesses.

Illa emphasised maximum willingness to collaborate with Andorra, given their shared border realities. "We must reach agreements, and the will is utmost," he stated. He also mentioned ongoing discussions with Occitània representatives, who align on a pragmatic yet ambitious approach. Benefits, he said, should extend across the Pyrenees, addressing common challenges in housing, mobility, communications, and economic development.

The Catalan leader advocated stronger cross-border ties overall, arguing that cooperation benefits all involved. "The Pyrenees and Andorra reality is that we do better together," Illa remarked, framing it within a broader push for a more integrated Europe.

Beyond the zone, Illa highlighted work with the Spanish government on issues facing cross-border workers and upcoming budget investments in Pyrenean infrastructure, such as the N-260 road and La Seu d'Urgell hospital upgrades.

He placed these efforts amid global shifts comparable to the Industrial Revolution, driven by digital advances, climate change, and artificial intelligence. Facing threats from Russia, US policy shifts, and Chinese economic rise, Illa championed the European model—blending growth, democratic freedoms, welfare, and social cohesion. Europe, he argued, needs greater political weight and energy independence through renewables to stay competitive, while ensuring technological transitions support citizens without leaving anyone behind.