Andorra Parishes Inspect Disputed Mountain Boundaries in Encamp Lawsuit

Representatives from Encamp, La Massana, Andorra la Vella, and Escaldes-Engordany parishes took part in judicial inspections of disputed mountain boundaries this week, as part of Encamp's lawsuit claiming expanded territorial rights.

The process, initiated in summer 2022 after Encamp identified engraved stone crosses near Pic de Padern, seeks to resolve claims over nearly three million square metres. Encamp, led by senior consul Laura Mas, bases its position on a 1474 arbitration ruling, along with 1706 and 1725 surveys, and other historical records. The parish asserts ownership of 56,134 square metres on Pic de Padern's upper slopes—currently undivided land between Andorra la Vella and Escaldes-Engordany—plus grazing rights (dret d'empriu) over 470,259 square metres of former Encamp pastures on La Massana territory and 2,320,889 square metres north of Pic de Padern in La Massana's area.

Opposing parishes uphold boundaries set by 1974 parish rounds, including one from Bony de les Neres to Pic de Padern and another verifying markers between Pic de Padern and the FEDA power station—before Escaldes-Engordany's creation in 1978.

Under article 223 of the Civil Procedure Code, the court-led examinations involved the judge, the batlle, parish consuls, cadastral experts, surveyors, and historians. Thursday's session reviewed crosses marking Encamp's limits with the Andorra la Vella-Escaldes undivided area, covering routes through Roques Blanques, Cortal de Diumenge, Solà d'Engordany, and Padern vicinity. On-site agreements shortened the itinerary, potentially eliminating Encamp's planned Monday segment. Proceedings began Wednesday along La Massana's path, with possible Friday continuation on Andorra la Vella and Escaldes-Engordany routes around Collada de Beixalís and Obac d'Anyós.

The judge noted improved understanding of the claims after direct observation. All parties expect the dispute, spanning over 340 hectares across four parishes, to extend to the Superior Court, with no ruling timeline set.