Andorra Approves €195K Subsidy Boost for Religion Teachers' Salaries

The Andorran government has awarded a €195,283.83 subsidy to the Archpriest of the Andorran Valleys to fund salaries for Catholic religion teachers working in the country's educational centres during the 2026 academic year.

The Council of Ministers approved the funding on 29 July through direct contracting, in line with provisions in the 2026 budget law. This marks an increase of more than €40,000 compared to the €155,038 allocated for 2025. The resolution, published in the Official Bulletin of the Principality of Andorra (BOPA), specifies that the money covers payroll expenses for instructors providing the service across public and private schools, as part of the government's annual agreement with the archpriest.

In public schools, Catholic religion classes remain an optional subject for primary and secondary students, who can opt for the "Growing with Values" alternative instead. The subject is compulsory at confessional institutions such as Janer, Sagrada Família in Escaldes-Engordany, and Sant Ermengol. Spanish-operated education centres in Andorra must also offer it as an elective.

Administered by the Ministry of Institutional Relations, Education and Universities, the subsidy can be contested via an administrative appeal to the government within one month. Lodging such a challenge does not halt its execution.