Andorra Cross-Party Commission Completes Consensus Report on Sustainable Urban Growth

The cross-party study commission on sustainable urban growth in the General Council has completed its consensus report following 13 months of work, including a dozen public hearings with experts, local commune representatives, administration officials, professional colleges, real estate and construction sector agents, and environmental protection groups.

Commission president Jordi Casadevall of Concòrdia and vice-president Gemma Riba of Demòcrates signed and presented the document on Friday morning, meeting the January 31 deadline. Representatives from all parliamentary groups—Demòcrates, Concòrdia, Socialdemòcrata, Andorra Endavant, and Ciutadans Compromesos—participated with impartiality and a focus on consensus, agreeing on strategic guidelines to shape reforms to the General Law on Territorial Planning and Urbanism (LGOTU), also known as the 'land law'.

In a joint statement, the groups called for parliament, not the government, to lead the LGOTU overhaul, aiming for urban development that is more sustainable, orderly, and aligned with Andorra's environment in the medium and long term. Casadevall described the process positively, noting an atmosphere where "everyone wanted to move forward" and that the report incorporates diverse perspectives into "interesting aspects."

The General Council plans to vote on the report at its March 19 session, launching the next session period. A February press conference will detail the key conclusions. If approved, members aim to form a legislative committee to draft a formal amendment proposal—modifying the existing law, not replacing it—with the target of approval during the current legislative term.