the head of governmentAndorra, Xavier Spothas placed the future European Grouping of Territorial Cooperation (AECT) of space Andorra-Pyrenees as one of the main tools to boost economic development and collaboration between Andorra, Catalonia i Occitania. During his intervention at the institutional days of cross-border cooperation, Espot assured that this body “will without a doubt offer the stable framework” necessary to implement shared projects in areas such as connectivity, mobility, economic diversification, sustainable development and the protection of cultural heritage.
The head of government has defended that cooperation between the Pyrenees territories must go beyond institutional relations and translate into initiatives that generate economic activity, employment and opportunities for citizens. In this sense, he highlighted the importance of the first cross-border business forum organized by the Andorran Business Confederation (CEA)which brings together institutional representatives and economic agents from neighboring territories with the aim of identifying investment opportunities and promoting new business alliances.
Espot has also linked this push for cooperation with the association agreement with the European Unionsigned Monday a Brusselswhich he considers a decisive tool to expand the economic opportunities of the principality. As he explained, a closer participation of Andorra in the European internal market will favor the mobility of professionals and the collaboration between companies and centers of knowledge. The president has insisted that the great challenges shared by the Pyrenees territories require greater involvement of the private sector and closer coordination between administrations.
Regarding relations with France, spot has remembered that between the 2016 and 2026 the two countries have mobilized close to 44 million of euros to strengthen access security, of which 21 million they correspond to the avalanche gallery H2. He also referred to the pending work to definitively stabilize the area affected by last winter’s landslide inRN-20 and has thanked the predisposition of Occitania Regional Council to facilitate the rail connection during the weeks of closure that the works will require.
In the energy field, he highlighted the collaboration between FAITH i EDF and the expansion project of the hydroelectric plant of thelittle hospitalwhich he considers strategic to strengthen energy security and advance the sustainable transition. He has also reiterated the will to consolidate the cross-border path of transhumance as a hiking product during the summer of 2027.
Regarding Cataloniathe head of government highlighted the bilateral work plan 2026-2030which extends cooperation to new areas such as public security, social affairs, language and culture. In terms of infrastructure, he mentioned the progress in the study of the railway connection between the Headquarters of Urgell i Andorra and the development of the airport ofAndorra la Seuwhich will incorporate regular flights with Paris from January. He has also highlighted healthcare collaboration, especially in emergency transport and shared mental health services.
Espot has concluded that the Pyrenees have the potential to become a point of reference in innovation, renewable energy, sustainable mobility and economic development with added value, but has warned that this goal requires institutional continuity, a shared vision and greater involvement of the business fabric.
