Spain's Foreign Minister Calls for Permanent Border Mechanisms with Andorra

Spain's Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares called for permanent instruments to ensure ongoing cross-border cooperation with Andorra during his first official visit to the principality on Monday.

Albares met with Head of Government Xavier Espot and Foreign Minister Imma Tor to discuss challenges including mobility, infrastructure, border crossings, and housing pressures in areas such as La Seu d'Urgell. He advocated stable dialogue mechanisms involving multiple administrations, pointing to tools like the European Grouping of Territorial Cooperation—linked to the Tramvalira project—the transborder cooperation strategy, and a potential permanent committee.

The minister stressed including the Generalitat de Catalunya and nearby municipalities alongside the two governments. Tor described the exchanges on fluid border circulation as "very constructive," though no specific projects were detailed. Albares framed the border as a zone of "encounter, cooperation, and shared prosperity" across the Pyrenees, urging use of European cooperation frameworks to address shared needs.

Talks also covered fake border workers. Tor outlined Andorra's measures, including checks, case files, and permit revocations to limit residency to legitimate workers. Albares commended the efforts and affirmed "absolute cooperation."

Three agreements were signed: one on sharing criminal proceeds, another for cultural exchanges and reading promotion via the Institut Cervantes, and a third on diplomatic and consular training. These pave the way for joint global events through Cervantes institutes and Andorran missions.

Tor described Spain as Andorra's primary economic and strategic partner, home to about 21,000 Spanish residents. Albares highlighted education links, with around 70% of Andorran university students in Spain, many in Catalonia.

He voiced support for Andorra's EU association agreement, which would enhance prosperity but heighten border management needs. A protocol, endorsed by France, will exempt Andorra from the EU entry/exit system.

No specifics have emerged on the proposed permanent instruments beyond these initiatives.