Andorra Dissolves Covid Lab for New Health Research Institute, Ratifies UN Rights Pact

The Andorran Council of Ministers approved a decree on Tuesday to dissolve the National Epidemiology Laboratory (LNE), paving the way for the creation of the University Institute for Health Research (IURS), affiliated with the University of Andorra.

Launched in November 2020 amid the Covid-19 crisis, the LNE initially tracked the virus using epidemiological techniques to support public health responses. Government spokesperson Guillem Casal noted it became a precursor to the IURS, later handling research promotion and coordination under the Andorran Health Care Service (SAAS). The IURS aims to establish Andorra as a health research hub, focusing on applied studies addressing local healthcare and population needs, alongside academic advancement, professional training, knowledge transfer, and public-private partnerships.

In the same session, ministers ratified the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (ICESCR or PIDESC), a 1966 UN pact guaranteeing rights to decent work, social security, health, education, and cultural participation. These align with existing Andorran legislation, but ratification strengthens international commitments, including periodic UN reports and potential non-binding recommendations. The document now heads to the General Council for approval, the co-princes for notification, and takes effect three months after official deposit.

The Council also endorsed the updated General Accounting Plan, applicable to fiscal years from January 1, 2025, and mandatory in 2026. Developed with the College of Economists and Chamber of Commerce, it reorganizes electronic annual account submissions to distinguish accounting, tax, and statistical data—without changing substance—while introducing new forms and commercial registry adjustments for smoother digital handling.

Separately, a second 2025 subsidy of €711,017.53 was allocated to support traditional mountain livestock practices at 93 farms, covering June 1 to November 30. This follows €1.37 million paid in August for December 2024 to May 2025, bringing the year's total to €2.084 million—a 6.25% increase over 2024—to sustain pastoralism vital to national meat production.