Andorra Shifts to 'Active Neutrality' in Foreign Policy

Andorra's Foreign Affairs Minister Imma Tor has outlined a shift away from the country's longstanding principle of neutrality in international conflicts, adopting instead a stance of "active neutrality."

Speaking on Ràdio Nacional's *Avui serà un bon dia* programme, Tor described active neutrality as a Swiss-developed concept that Andorra has embraced with distinct features. "It's a Swiss concept; we didn't invent it ourselves," she noted. The approach maintains neutrality but rejects indifference toward breaches of international law, particularly in humanitarian matters or violations of the United Nations Charter. In such instances, Andorra sides against aggressors and in support of victims.

Tor identified Russia's invasion of Ukraine as the pivotal moment for this policy change. For the first time, Andorra welcomed refugees from the conflict, many of whom remain in the Principality. The government has also implemented EU sanctions packages against Russia.

This active neutrality aligns with commitments to international law, multilateralism, and peace—values Tor said are inherent to Andorra. She highlighted the Principality's centuries-long history of peace as a global example, shaped by an absence of conflict rather than passivity.