Andorra Urges France to Boost Investment in Key Cross-Border Roads Amid Disruptions

Andorra's Foreign Affairs Minister Imma Tor urged her French counterpart, Jean-Noël Barrot, to increase investment in the RN20 and RN22 roads during their Paris meeting on Thursday, as the RN20 remains closed following a 31 January landslide between L'Hospitalet-près-l'Andorre and Ax-les-Thermes.

The talks occurred amid fresh disruptions to cross-border transport. Storm Pedro has rendered the railway impassable between Foix and Ax-les-Thermes, suspending all trains on that stretch until further notice, with SNCF citing greater-than-expected embankment instability from recent storms Nils and Pedro. A technical assessment is set for Monday, 23 February, to gauge repair needs. Services between Ax-les-Thermes and Latour-de-Carol continue at reduced frequency, while replacement buses cover the affected Foix-Ax-les-Thermes section. The disruptions coincide with French school holidays, limiting access toward Andorra via the Ax-les-Thermes station to just one train in practice, prompting frustration among locals and regular users who have long called for upgrades to the line.

Tor highlighted the landslide's cross-border fallout on Pas de la Casa's economy and adjacent French areas, thanking France for prompt technical and diplomatic aid. Both ministers praised the new Winter Viability Agreement, launched this January, for improving snow clearance coordination and shortening closure periods. Tor argued the roads should receive resources befitting primary access routes to a sovereign state.

Discussions extended to border collaboration, with Barrot praising joint police and customs work, including Andorra's anti-smuggling measures. Tor sought stronger French police controls and suggested Occitanie join a European Territorial Cooperation Grouping with Andorra and Catalonia for joint economic initiatives. She described Andorra as the Pyrenees' economic hub and invited Barrot to the 10th Transborder Dialogue with Occitanie this autumn.

On EU issues, Barrot confirmed France's support for Andorra's Association Agreement. They noted progress on 26 January toward exempting Andorra's third-country residents from the EU Entry/Exit System, planning a bilateral technical meeting on 24 February for implementation details.

The ministers underscored strong ties, particularly in education via the French system in Andorra and a recent teaching convention. They also exchanged views on geopolitical flashpoints, including the Middle East and Ukraine. Ariège authorities urge caution amid ongoing yellow weather alerts for strong winds, heavy rain, and flood risks, advising residents to secure property, follow official updates, and avoid non-essential travel. SNCF app checks are recommended for real-time train impacts.