Andorra and Catalonia Launch Tramvalira Cross-Border Tram Project

The Andorran government and the Generalitat de Catalunya have formally launched the Tramvalira project with its first steering committee meeting, held remotely, where they agreed to hold monthly technical working sessions to advance the initiative.

The session established the committee, defined governance and coordination structures between the two administrations, and set the work calendar, study phases, and monitoring procedures for technical commitments. This follows the project's approval in July, stemming from a joint bid submitted in February under the Interreg POCTEFA Spain-France-Andorra 2021-2027 programme.

Tramvalira will examine the technical, economic, legal, and environmental viability of a cross-border tram link between Sant Julià de Lòria and La Seu d'Urgell, connecting to Andorra's planned internal tram network. The analysis will consider multiple route options and urban integration strategies, factoring in operational performance, environmental effects, consistency with current planning, and landscape integration.

Proponents see the link as a way to enhance cross-border connectivity, advance sustainable transport options, cut private car use, relieve road traffic, and foster cohesion across the Andorra-Pirineus area, in line with joint climate pledges and energy transition targets.

The project secures €329,841.56 in European funding, equivalent to 45.12% of total costs. Andorra, ineligible for direct grants—though this could change with a prospective EU association agreement—provides its existing national tram feasibility studies, while the Generalitat handles fund receipt. The effort positions Andorra as lead partner for the first time in a POCTEFA project and the Eastern Mountain Functional Area, bolstering its stake in European territorial cooperation.