Digital Economy:
The Business Digitisation Program (PDE) has been approved by the Council of Ministers. The Program aims to promote the digitization of business in Andorra with the government providing advice, subsidies and guarantees to Andorran businesses. Funding has been allocated for the provision of grants and credits to support business digitization projects. The government has itself been active for a number of year in moving to digitize all its ministries and services as part of the national Digital Transformation Project.
Infrastructure: Communications:
Agreement has been reached between Andorra and France to strengthen cooperation in the improvement of infrastructure between the two neighbours. The investments are intended to facilitate cross-border communication and economic development of the French and Andorran Pyrenees. Most of the investment will be spent on road improvements and security to minimise, so far as possible, disruption caused by snow, avalanche and landslides.
Infrastructure: Transport:
Andorra La Seu Airport will be the subject of further studies by IATA for the development of new routes and the allocation of state funding, if necessary.
08/22
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02/2022:
Corruption:
The Group of States Against Corruption has submitted its report following completion of the fourth evaluation cycle undertaken in Andorra. The report confirms that Andorra has successfully implemented five of the recommendations made in the earlier report, with a further seven recommendations partially adopted. The Report concluded by noting the efforts made by Andorra in advancing the fight against corruption.
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09/2021
UNESCO Biosphere Reserve:
At a recent meeting in Paris between the Director General of UNESCO and the Andorran head of government, the Principality submitted its project to become the first country to be biosphere reserve. The project demonstrates the commitment to enhance and preserve the natural environment and while pursuing sustainability. Last year the locality of Ordino was registered as part of the global network of UNESCO reserves as part of the MAB program.
Sustainability:
The government has taken the initial steps to approve the Circular Economy Bill which if approved would prohibit disposable plastics and seek to significantly reduce food waste. The Minister of the Environment is reported as stating that Andorra would become a pioneer of the circular economy in the move away from the current linear model of consumption, with the Bill containing ‘measures to achieve sustainable consumption, reduce waste and promote the fight against food waste.’ The Minister recognizes ambitious goals are set but with pubic and business support they could be achieved by 2030 and 2035 as intended.
EU Association Agreement:
At a meeting between the heads of the French and Andorran governments the association agreement between the EU and Andorra was discussed. The French delegation confirming their willingness to support Andorra in the negotiations with the EU in particular on issues relating to migration, financial services, telecoms and the European central Bank’s liquidity mechanisms.
Other issues discussed at this meeting by the heads of state were cross border communications including major road improvements, to open the Pyrenees region.
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07/2018
Real estate: The government statistical office has published the most recent statistics on real estate transactions for the year 2017. The statistics reveal an increase in the number of transaction by almost 12% over the previous year, with an increase to the value of the property transferred of 9.6%.
Education: The University of Andorra (UEA) will be hosting a series of international conferences and debates over the course of the summer that are open to all. A free interpretation service is provided.
Environment: A new electric bicycle sharing scheme ‘Cicland’ entered into service in June as a joint venture between central and local government. It is part of the sustainable mobility policy being pursued by the Principality and forms part of the country’s wider national environmentally friendly energy policy.
Tourism - Casino: The Andorran government has awarded the first licence to open a casino and resort in Andorra. In total nine tenders were submitted by international casino groups from the UK/US, France and Spain with investments of up to €150m. The winning tender was presented by Juegos SA which will build a 4,000m² casino with related facilities in the Andorran capital Andorra le Vella. Building work will commence in September with the casino expected to open its doors in the summer 2020.
If you have any queries about Andorra please contact Simon Huxford: s.huxford@rosemont-mc.com
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