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 proposed reform to Andorra's Higher Education Law, describing it as insufficiently ambitious for the sector's challenges.

Led by Cerni Escalé, the group contends that the government's proposal makes only limited adjustments to the current framework, which ought to serve as the cornerstone for shaping the future of higher education in the country. They point out that it does not delve deeply into the National Higher Education Strategy, intended to set long-term guidelines and priorities to guide system evolution.

Concordia further criticizes the absence of targeted rules for emerging universities and higher education institutions, which should align with national requirements and standards. The group draws attention to the sharp rise in private universities establishing operations in Andorra in recent years, driven by gaps in specific oversight. This development, they argue, undermines the principality's global reputation as a higher education destination and underscores the need for a quality-driven approach over rapid growth in institutions and degree offerings.

"This reform lacks the necessary ambition relative to the challenge at hand," the group stated, calling for a pivot from a model that enables private centers without robust quality assurances.

The motion addresses the bill recently considered by the General Council as part of wider efforts to update higher education in keeping with Andorra's economic and learning goals. No vote date has been set for the motion or the underlying legislation.