Andorra's 2025: EU Talks Divide, Housing Crisis, Infrastructure Wins

Andorra ended the year with a series of pivotal developments shaping its political, social, and economic landscape, from EU association talks to housing pressures and infrastructure upgrades.

The EU association agreement remained a divisive issue throughout 2025. A late-year survey by the AR+I Observatory revealed public opinion nearly split, with 35.2% viewing its impact positively and 34% negatively—a shift from prior trends. In November, the government acknowledged a lack of consensus among EU member states on the agreement's legal nature, while a letter from French President Emmanuel Macron raised the prospect of a mixed agreement. Head of Government Xavier Espot recently conceded that announcing a referendum without a set date had politicized the discussion and hardened positions, though he reaffirmed the executive's commitment to holding it.

Population reached 88,941 residents by 30 November, amid other milestones: the appointment of Josep-Lluís Serrano Pentinat as the new episcopal co-prince in May, succeeding Joan-Enric Vives after 22 years; and the delayed rollout of the EU's Entry/Exit system until April 2026. Negotiations with Spain eased concerns for the hotel sector over temporary workers, allowing a normal winter season and time to adapt immigration processes.

Housing dominated public concerns, with the Andorran Trade Union Confederation (USdA) and Coordinadora per un Habitatge Digne faulting laws on foreign investment and omnibus measures for fueling speculation and price hikes. Rentals under €2,000 monthly are scarce, USdA noted, urging a €2,500 minimum wage or curbs on the unregulated rental market. Border areas like Alt Urgell saw rents jump from €300-400 to €1,200 in some towns. Early 2026 will see validation of parish carrying-capacity studies to refine urban plans, coinciding with major Andorra la Vella projects like Plaça del Poble renovations and Casa de la Vall upgrades.

Mobility saw national bus line changes launch in July; an August Coopalsa survey showed slightly lower satisfaction, attributed to user adjustment. Health advances included a new mental health centre, a breast unit at Nostra Senyora de Meritxell Hospital performing 32 surgeries since January, and a pioneering study on Mediterranean diets easing chemotherapy side effects in breast cancer patients—backed by SAAS, Barcelona's Hospital Clínic, and €8,477 from the Cursa de la Dona.

Culturally, a new authors' rights law is in works to address digital gaps, such as music licensing on Instagram and Facebook. Positive notes: €40,000 in artist grants boosted international visibility, Andorran publishers debuted at Guadalajara's book fair, and the National Archive moves to Hotel Rosaleda in January 2026.

Sports capped the year with a record 38 medals at the Small States Games in May, led by Kevin Teixeira (three golds, one bronze) and Nahuel Carabaña (three golds). FC Andorra ascended to professional football after dropping to Primera RFEF, the FAF's new stadium opened, La Vuelta featured a full Andorran stage on 25 August, and Primož Roglič won the inaugural Andorra Cycling Masters.

Looking to 2026, snow sports lead with the Comapedrosa Andorra ski mountaineering World Cup (25-26 January), the first freeride world championships at Ordino Arcalís (1-6 February, 66 riders from 17 nations including Joan Aracil), and alpine World Cup speed events at El Tarter (28 February-1 March, with training and reserves post-Winter Olympics; Andorrans Cande Moreno and Jordina Caminal compete). Classics return: Spartan Race in Encamp (6-7 June), trial worlds in Sant Julià de Lòria (12-15 June), Europe sevens rugby at the National Stadium (12-14 June), Trail 100 Andorra and Andorra Epic (12-14 June/2-5 July), mountain bike World Cup in Pal Arinsal (5-12 July), and a La Vuelta stage on 25 August. Other fixtures include MoraBanc Andorra Clàssica, La Purito, Volta als Ports, and youth events like TIM Experience.