La Seu d’Urgell Mayor Sees Easing Andorra Worker Housing Pressure, Warns of Regional Spread

**La Seu d’Urgell mayor reports easing of housing pressure from Andorra-linked workers but warns of spread to surrounding areas**

The mayor of La Seu d’Urgell, Joan Barrera, stated on Friday that residential pressure from workers commuting to Andorra has eased somewhat but continues to strain the local housing market and is now affecting nearby municipalities.

Speaking after the 37th Trobada Empresarial al Pirineu, Barrera acknowledged improvements compared to peak periods, particularly since the third quarter of last year. He credited measures introduced by the Andorran government with reducing the intensity of the issue, describing the government's efforts as noticeable. "Andorra did make an effort, and it has shown," he said.

The influx, linked to Andorra's labour market, emerged suddenly and peaked between early last year and mid-year, driving up rents and complicating access to housing in La Seu d’Urgell, the capital of Alt Urgell. While the pace of arrivals has slowed, demand persists, and effects are extending beyond the town. Barrera noted that rising prices and shortages are now impacting surrounding areas, prompting discussions on expanding the designation of tense housing zones beyond La Seu. The Generalitat is examining this option as the pressure widens.

Barrera emphasised that institutional ties with Andorra have remained normal despite political differences. "Political disagreement is legitimate," he said. "Sometimes you have to raise your voice and put problematic issues on the table, but there has always been a willingness to reach agreement." He disclosed repeated outreach to the Andorran government, Spain’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the Spanish government’s delegation in Catalonia through various meetings to seek joint solutions.

No precise figure exists for La Seu residents working in Andorra, though Barrera indicated that a large share of the more than 1,500 recent new inhabitants are connected to this pattern. The town hall prioritises integration over blame, aiming to turn demographic changes into an opportunity for a richer social diversity.