Andorra, Catalonia, Occitania Advance EGTC for Cross-Border Projects

Andorra, Catalonia, and Occitania are progressing toward establishing the Andorra-Pirineus European Grouping of Territorial Cooperation (EGTC) to support joint initiatives and unlock European funding. Foreign Affairs Minister Imma Tor outlined the status during Thursday's launch of the II Jornades de Cooperació Transfronterera, set for October 21-23.

Negotiations have reached an advanced phase following four trilateral meetings, with efforts now focused on drafting the constitutive agreement and statutes. Andorra's government first proposed the idea last November through a conceptual note, later formalized in February with letters from Head of Government Xavier Espot, Catalan President Salvador Illa, and Occitania President Carole Delga.

The October 21 opening will feature a study on cross-border socioeconomic flows, an institutional session with Espot and counterparts from Catalonia and Occitania, and EGTC discussions. These include a review of the completed legal and EU feasibility analysis, challenges ahead, and projects eligible for EU support. Tor highlighted four priority areas: economic diversification, spotlighting special economic zones in Organyà and Pàmies; connectivity and mobility, extending beyond Tramvia Lira to options tied to Andorra-la Seu d'Urgell airport and links to Ariège; sustainable mountain management, covering biodiversity, climate adaptation, civil protection, and eco-tourism modeled on Parc Pirineu de les Tres Nacions; and cultural heritage, encompassing Andorra's UNESCO candidacy, the Pirepat project, and trans-Pyrenean paths like the Iron Route.

Ambassador for Cross-Border Cooperation Noëlia Souque noted that mobility work would explore broader transport alternatives linked to the airport's future growth, aiming to enhance Andorra's regional ties.

A key new element is the inaugural Cross-Border Business Forum on October 22-23 at Prat del Roure in Escaldes-Engordany, hosted by the Andorran Business Confederation (CEA). It will explore energy, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and mobility, featuring Espot, Catalan councillor for EU and External Action Jaume Duch, and Occitania vice-president Kamel Chlibi.