Concordia Tables Motion to Reject Andorra's Weak Higher Education Reform

The Concordia parliamentary group has tabled a motion for the full rejection of the government's proposed reform to Andorra's Higher Education Law, calling it insufficiently ambitious to meet the sector's future challenges.

In a statement, the group, led by Cerni Escalé, accused the government of introducing only minor changes to the framework law, rather than using it to outline long-term directions for higher education. They highlighted the reform's failure to address the pending National Higher Education Strategy, which should establish priorities and guide the system's development.

Concordia also faulted the proposal for lacking specific regulations tailored to new universities and higher education institutions, which they say must align with Andorra's national model and needs. The group linked the recent surge in private universities to regulatory shortcomings, warning that it harms the country's international standing as an education hub. Instead of prioritizing quantity in institutions and degrees, they advocate a quality-focused approach with clear value for the principality.

"This reform lacks the necessary ambition relative to the challenge at hand," Concordia stated, urging a shift away from enabling private centers without strong quality controls.

The motion targets the bill recently debated in the General Council amid broader efforts to modernize higher education in line with Andorra's economic and educational objectives. No date has been announced for a vote on the motion or the legislation itself.