Andorra PM Espot Concludes Visits to Austria and Slovakia, Signing Tax Pact and Boosting Ties

Andorra's head of government, Xavier Espot, has completed a two-day official visit to Austria and Slovakia aimed at strengthening bilateral ties, boosting the Principality's international profile, and advancing economic cooperation.

The trip, which took place on Thursday and Friday, began in Bratislava. Espot met with Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico to discuss shared interests, political and economic collaboration, and the advanced negotiations for a double taxation avoidance agreement. The talks also covered potential sector-specific partnerships, including innovation, and updates on Andorra's association agreement with the European Union. Espot informed his counterpart about Andorra's progress toward greater market access while preserving its institutional uniqueness.

On Friday, Espot held talks at the Presidential Palace with Slovak President Peter Pellegrini, accompanied by Andorra's ambassador to both countries, Jaume Serra. The meeting, marking the 30th anniversary of diplomatic relations, focused on enhancing institutional and parliamentary links, the double taxation pact, Andorra's EU negotiations, and global challenges like energy security and disinformation. Espot later met with the National Council's Foreign Affairs Committee to address similar topics, including democratic cohesion.

He also delivered a lecture titled "Andorra in Europe and the World: Challenges and Opportunities" at Comenius University, outlining Andorra's institutional evolution since the 1993 Constitution, economic diversification efforts, commitment to multilateralism, sustainability, and human rights, and the role of international bodies like the UN.

In Vienna, Espot signed a double taxation avoidance convention with Austrian Federal Chancellor Christian Stocker, a move described by the Andorran government as essential for legal certainty, economic exchanges, and investment opportunities. The leaders highlighted synergies in winter tourism and mountain economies, with Espot emphasising sustainable policies and updates on the EU association accord.

Espot reaffirmed Andorra's priorities within the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) during a meeting with the secretary general's office director, Hatun Demirer—coinciding with the 30th anniversary of Andorra's accession. Key areas included youth, gender equality, environment, and climate resilience.

He wrapped up the Vienna agenda with city officials Omar Al-Rawi and Kurt Hofstetter, exchanging insights on housing and urban planning. Espot presented Andorra's initiatives to expand public rental stock, support first-time buyers, mobilise empty properties, curb speculation, and limit tourist rentals. Vienna shared details of its extensive municipal housing model, long-term planning, tenant protections, and public funding mechanisms, which help stabilise rents.

The visit underscores Andorra's push for deeper European engagement in governance, sustainability, and housing amid its ongoing international modernisation.