Andorra Minister Pushes Active Neutrality in Global Mediation Role

Andorra's Foreign Affairs Minister Imma Tor has advocated for the Principat to play a more active role in international mediation and dialogue, framing it within the country's tradition of "active neutrality."

Speaking on Saturday at the 39th Andorran Day event during the Universitat Catalana d’Estiu in Prada de Conflent, organised by the Societat Andorrana de Ciències, Tor stressed that Andorra's neutrality does not mean standing aside from global crises or human rights violations. Instead, it enables participation in multilateral forums to promote peace, international law, and democratic values.

She argued that Andorra's involvement in such spaces strengthens its global presence while upholding an order based on shared rules. Tor cited historical examples, including the Pareatges, the Manual Digest, and the national anthem, as well as the Principat's sheltering of refugees and solidarity efforts during the Spanish Civil War and World War II.

This tradition evolved with Andorra's 1993 Constitution and 1994 UN membership, allowing the country to take positions incompatible with strict impartiality. She referenced condemnation of Russia's 2022 aggression against Ukraine, support for UN resolutions, and stances on terrorism, including the 11 September 2001 attacks and the 2006 Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy.

Tor also highlighted Andorra's response to the 7 October 2023 attacks on Israel, followed by calls for a Gaza ceasefire, adherence to humanitarian law, and a two-state solution. "We stand with those defending freedom, human rights, and respect for territorial integrity—values essential for a small country like ours," she stated.

The minister positioned these actions as compatible with neutrality, urging Andorra to prioritise multilateral cooperation, state dialogue, and potential mediation to address ongoing global challenges.