French Ambassador Proposes Pamiers Over Mérens for Andorra's Economic Zone

French Ambassador Nicolas Eybalin has proposed Pamiers as an alternative site for Andorra's planned special economic zone, citing its industrial and commercial strengths over the protected area of Mérens.

Eybalin made the suggestion ahead of France's National Day reception on 14 July 2026, held at the embassy gardens in Andorra and attended by top officials including the head of government and representatives of the co-princes. He noted that Pamiers offers better connectivity, while Mérens lies in a protected zone, as previously highlighted by Foreign Minister Imma Tor.

The ambassador also addressed ongoing concerns over the RN-20 road, which was closed for nearly six weeks earlier this year due to a landslide near Mérens. Stabilisation work on the rocky slope is likely needed by late 2027 to remove a 500-cubic-metre block. While no timeline or details on alternative routes were specified, Eybalin stressed France's awareness of the route's strategic importance to Andorra. Authorities plan joint coordination with the Andorran government to minimise disruption, promoting rail options like trains to Toulouse as alternatives during works.

Eybalin praised progress on airport links from Andorra-La Seu d'Urgell to Paris, describing internal reflections in the Principat as potentially fundable by European sources. These flights would connect to major international hubs.

On other matters, he reiterated France's non-opposition to Andorra's abortion decriminalisation debate, echoing Co-Prince Emmanuel Macron's stance, though emphasising it remains an internal issue outside the co-prince's daily role.

Tackling tobacco smuggling—linked to organised crime—Eybalin called for price hikes as the most effective measure. He recalled France's past defence of Andorra's tobacco price differential during EU association talks, securing it for 30 years. New Co-Prince representative Frédéric Rose, on his first visit last week, pledged more resources for joint efforts, underscoring strong bilateral ties.

In education, Eybalin welcomed Andorra's commitment to renovating Lycée Comte de Foix with Montpellier Academy experts, the renewed Franco-Andorran education agreement from December 2025, growing Andorran enrolment in French universities, and events like the Teaching Fair. He announced a French film week in late September and the continuation of cultural seasons.

Eybalin framed bilateral relations as two liberal democracies on convergent paths, highlighting 2025-2026 milestones: the education pact, anti-smuggling plan from 28 October, RN-20 reopening, and Macron's April visit. He commended Andorra's full adherence to EU sanctions against Russia, affirming its commitment to international law.

France and Spain stand ready to advocate for Andorra's specificities within its EU association agreement, ahead of a citizen consultation, amid global geopolitical tensions.