Andorra la Vella Approves €60.5M 2026 Budget with 21% Investment Boost

Andorra la Vella parish council approved its €60.5 million budget for 2026 during a Thursday session of the Consell de Comú, allocating €13.042 million—a 21% investment share and 18% rise from 2025—to fund 152 projects. The initiatives span three priorities: placing people first, improving urban living standards and economic activity, and safeguarding the natural surroundings while upgrading sports venues.

Consuls Sergi González and Olalla Losada outlined the plans at a Monday press conference, describing them as resident-driven "budgets with soul." They stressed the parish's national role, serving its 25,000 inhabitants plus visitors through oversized facilities like traffic management for countrywide events, administrative offices, schools, nurseries, and open-access children's programs. González noted mounting daily strains from population and service growth, positioning the parish as "the engine of the country" that demands proactive investment. Losada added that facilities face intensifying use from non-residents, such as workers' families opting for local childcare.

Housing and senior services lead allocations. A €920,000 project at Edifici del Cedre in Santa Coloma will deliver 30 affordable units via government handover, a new Casa Pairal, and public square to address ageing demographics and equipment gaps. €750,000 each funds phased facade and home upgrades at Calones through 2027, minimising disruption, and full overhaul of Edifici Jaume I under the Reviu scheme for swift availability. The €500,000 Espai Capital preparatory design covers a square, parking, events area, and upper-level Casa Pairal, with works potentially starting late 2026 or early 2027 after tender. €100,000 repurposes Borda del Tossal into Espai Arrels for heritage-linked cultural, educational, and multi-generational uses.

Urban works include €1 million to finish Santa Coloma's separated sewer system; €500,000 for Ciutat de Valls reorganisation and Aigüeta-Europa passageway enhancements; €400,000 for Vall and Pui streets paving; €300,000 for Bonaventura Riberaygua utilities and sidewalks; and about €405,000 for public spaces near Edifici Node on Meritxell avenue and the former firefighters' barracks.

Environment and sports receive €700,000 for Obaga de Santa Coloma's forest track and firebreak to aid woodland access and management; €270,000 approximately for the river promenade's second phase, a daily hub for locals and passersby; €450,000 to update Centre Esportiu dels Serradells changing rooms; and €350,000 for Estadi Comunal's covered pavilion interior, extending 2025 upgrades for constant demand. Fresh additions: €85,000 for family-requested playgrounds and €35,000 to initiate climate shelters in municipal sites against summer heat and winter cold.

The consuls argue Andorra la Vella deserves higher central transfers for its broad-reaching services but admitted raising the issue only with government, not other parish leaders. They support a cost analysis to quantify loads and strengthen a "capital premium" case. Losada said firm data would amplify demands: it would allow even stronger claims. González called the study essential for objective evidence.

On urban planning, González reported survey data from community meetings now mapped, aiming for draft plans by Q1 2026 end, followed by owner consultations and June public exhibition for a participatory update envisioning lively, communal neighbourhoods. He withheld specifics on areas like Parc Central pending input.