AGP Executive Report

Andorra Taste 2026: Peruvian chef Virgilio Martínez received the Andorra Taste Award 2026, praised for a cuisine rooted in Peru’s biodiversity and the event’s theme “When the territory is the ingredient,” and he was presented with a sculpture by Andorran artist Nerea Aixàs. Data Protection & Bodycams: Andorra’s data protection agency (APDA) says it doesn’t oppose bodycams for municipal traffic police, but insists the Ministry of Interior must authorize their use first and that all legal safeguards must be met before any system goes live. Fuel Prices in Andorra: The government approved a September diesel discount increase of 15 cents per litre to match Spain’s cut, with the full amount required to be passed to consumers. Education Trends: Students leaving Andorra more than doubled from 90 (2024–25) to 182 (2025–26), while 159 students joined after the start of the 2025–26 school year. International Cooperation: Andorran Police signed an MoU with Europol to connect to SIENA, strengthening secure cross-border information sharing. Sports & Culture: Andorra’s Mónica Dòria won bronze in kayakcross at the World Cup final in La Seu d’Urgell, and Andorra took part in the International Youth Festival in Yekaterinburg.

Fuel & Cost of Living: Andorra is moving to stay competitive as diesel prices tighten across the border, with the government approving a temporary 15-cent-per-litre diesel discount for September, tied to Spain’s earlier cut and requiring the full reduction to be passed to consumers. Fuel Crisis Watch (France): Across the border, French fishers have escalated protests by blockading fuel depots in the south, as record petrol prices and rising stockouts leave more stations running out of fuel. Local Economy & Mobility: Andorra’s student churn is rising too, with the number of students leaving more than doubling from 90 to 182 between 2024–25 and 2025–26, while overall withdrawals climbed to 285. Justice & Rights (Andorra): Andorra’s abortion decriminalisation push remains on track for April 2027, even as Vatican talks continue to shape the political pressure. Public Safety & Cooperation: The Andorran Police has signed up to Europol’s secure SIENA network, strengthening cross-border information sharing. Sports (Andorra-linked): In motorsport, DTM driver Jules Gounon—who lives in Andorra—reports only minor hand injury after his crash, and is set to return for the next WEC race in Japan. Culture & Travel: Inghams Ski has expanded its 2026–27 programme, adding Interlaken access and extending Norway, with new flight links and beginner-focused packages that include Andorra.

Abortion Law Standoff: Andorra’s PM Xavier Espot says abortion will be decriminalized by April 2027, even if the Holy See objects—highlighting how the principality’s Catholic co-princes structure makes the issue more than just a normal vote. Police Cooperation: Andorran Police has signed a deal with Europol to plug into SIENA, letting it securely share information with European and international partners. Fuel Prices: Andorra approved a September diesel discount increase to 15 cents per litre, tied to Spain’s cut, with the full reduction required to reach consumers. Education Shifts: Students leaving Andorra more than doubled from 90 (2024–25) to 182 (2025–26), while 159 students joined after the school year began. Sports & Culture: Andorra-linked canoe news spotlights Mónica Dòria taking bronze at a kayakcross World Cup; meanwhile, the International Youth Festival in Yekaterinburg included an Andorra delegate. Travel & Mobility: Andorra is listed among countries eligible for Canada’s International Experience Canada youth mobility programme.

Fuel Relief for Drivers: Andorra’s government has approved a temporary September diesel discount of 15 cents per litre, designed to match Spain’s 20-cent cut and keep prices competitive; the full reduction must be passed to consumers. Education & Mobility: Students leaving Andorra more than doubled from 90 (2024–25) to 182 (2025–26), with Education Minister Ladislau Baró saying the data doesn’t support automatically blaming housing or cost of living. Health & Politics: Prime Minister Xavier Espot says abortion will be decriminalized next year “whether the Holy See likes it or not,” aiming to protect Andorra’s institutional system while talks continue. Culture & International Links: Santo Domingo hosts the 12th Ibero-American Museum Meeting (Sept 14–16), with Andorra among 17 participating countries and a summit declaration expected. Sports & Andorran Presence: Andorra’s Mónica Dòria won bronze in kayakcross at the World Cup final, while the country’s international footballers are also in the spotlight via UEFA Nations League call-ups. Local Spotlight: A new monthly concert series season opens Sept 20 at Englewood Christian Church, featuring pianist Sunmin Kim and saxophonist Colin Crake.

Andorra & Mobility: Andorra is listed among countries whose citizens can use the US ESTA instead of a visa, with the US saying the online application takes about 23 minutes and requires a passport, selfie, email, and contact details. Visa-Free Travel: A new update says 25 visa-free spots are available for Indian travellers, with stays up to 180 days. Local Politics: Andorran PM Xavier Espot says abortion will be decriminalized by April “whether the Holy See likes it or not,” as talks continue over how to protect the co-princes’ institutional setup. Sports (Andorra in the mix): Andorra’s Mónica Dòria won bronze in kayakcross at the World Cup final in La Seu d’Urgell, while the Vuelta’s Enric Mas secured a historic overall win after Tadej Pogačar’s crash reshaped the race. EU Borders: The EU has let nine Schengen countries delay full Entry/Exit System (EES) checks due to operational problems and border queues.

Abortion Law Clash: Andorra’s Prime Minister Xavier Espot says abortion will be decriminalized “by April,” insisting the government can pass legislation “whether the Holy See likes it or not,” as Vatican talks continue. EU Border Rules: The EU has let nine Schengen countries delay full enforcement of the Entry/Exit System (EES) after technical and operational problems caused border queues and travel disruption. Euro Cash Scale: The European Central Bank says there are over 31 billion euro banknotes (worth more than €1,600bn) and 150bn coins in circulation, with Andorra and others using the euro under monetary agreements. Travel Updates: Canada confirms 36 countries eligible for its International Experience Canada youth mobility scheme (including Andorra); the US says ESTA applications take about 23 minutes on average and lists ESTA-eligible countries including Andorra. Local Sports & Culture: Andorra’s Mónica Dòria won bronze in kayakcross at the World Cup final in La Seu d’Urgell; and an Andorran delegate took part in the International Youth Festival in Yekaterinburg.

Abortion Law Push: Andorra’s PM Xavier Espot says abortion will be decriminalized by April “whether the Holy See likes it or not,” as talks continue over how to protect the co-principality’s institutional stability. Local Sports Spotlight: Andorra’s Mónica Dòria won bronze in kayakcross at the World Cup final in La Seu d’Urgell, while Czech canoeist Tereza Kneblová took silver and France’s Camille Prigent secured the overall title. Travel & Entry Rules: The US says ESTA applications take an average of 23 minutes and lists Andorra among the eligible countries; separate US guidance spells out the documents needed. Tech Watch: Apple’s satellite features are raising questions for buyers, with Ultra 4’s satellite “two-year” wording not fully matching Apple’s Ultra 3-focused support page, and iPhone satellite safety features not working in every country. International Youth Festival: Andorra took part in Russia’s International Youth Festival in Yekaterinburg, with 10,000 young people from 191 countries attending.

Abortion Law Push: Andorra’s PM Xavier Espot says abortion will be decriminalized by April “whether the Holy See likes it or not,” while talks with the Vatican continue to protect the co-principality’s institutional setup. Youth & Culture: The International Youth Festival opened in Yekaterinburg with about 10,000 young people from 191 countries, including an Andorra delegate, with Putin addressing via video. Sports—Kayakcross: Andorra’s Mónica Dòria won bronze at the kayakcross World Cup final in La Seu d’Urgell, as Tereza Kneblová took silver and France’s Camille Prigent secured the overall title. Travel Rules—ESTA: The US says ESTA applications take an average of 23 minutes and lists Andorra among the eligible countries; the guidance also details required documents and the $40.27 fee. Football—Messi in Spain: Lionel Messi has reached an agreement in principle to buy Spanish second-division club Eldense, pending legal steps and sports council approval. Local Sports Note: LaLiga2 results include FC Andorra losing 1-3 to Real Sociedad B.

Abortion Law Push in Andorra: Prime Minister Xavier Espot says abortion will be decriminalized by April “whether the Holy See likes it or not,” with talks continuing but legislation aimed for the next parliamentary session. Travel Rules for Andorrans: The US says ESTA applications take about 23 minutes on average and lists Andorra among the 42 countries eligible to enter the United States without a traditional visa, with required details like passport, selfie, contact info, and an email. Sports Media in Andorra: DAZN has renewed its F1 broadcast rights in Spain, Andorra and Portugal through 2030, making it the long-term home for live and on-demand F1 coverage. Football Ownership Watch: Lionel Messi is reported to be close to taking majority control of Spanish second-division club Eldense, pending legal steps and sports council approval. Local Interest: Andorra is also listed among countries eligible for visa-free entry to the Philippines under the Balikbayan Program (when traveling with a former Filipino citizen).

Abortion Law Push: Andorra’s PM Xavier Espot says abortion will be decriminalized by April “whether the Holy See likes it or not,” while talks with the Vatican continue ahead of the next parliamentary session. Travel Rules Watch: The US says ESTA applications take about 23 minutes on average and has published a full list of 42 ESTA-eligible countries, including Andorra, plus what applicants must submit (passport, selfie, email, contact details). Sports Streaming in Andorra: DAZN has renewed its F1 broadcast deal for Spain, Andorra and Portugal through 2030. Football Ownership Buzz: Lionel Messi is reported to be close to taking majority control of Spanish second-division club Eldense, pending legal steps and sports council approval. Local Interest: Andorra is listed among countries eligible for New Zealand’s visa-waiver NZeTA scheme. Education Spotlight: TECH Global University says Forbes has named it “the best online university in the world.”

Abortion Law Clash: Andorra’s PM Xavier Espot says abortion will be decriminalized by April next year, “whether the Holy See likes it or not,” while stressing the government’s red line is avoiding abortions being performed inside Andorra. Local Politics: Espot frames the move as a way to protect Andorra’s institutional setup under its co-princes, with talks continuing with the Vatican ahead of the parliamentary session. Sports Media: DAZN has renewed its Formula 1 broadcast rights for Spain, Andorra and Portugal through 2030, adding coverage across F1’s sessions plus F2, F3, F1 Academy and Porsche Supercup. Travel Rules for Andorrans: Australia’s ETA list includes Andorra, letting eligible visitors enter without a traditional visa for short stays. Tech/Business: TECH Global University says Forbes has named it “the best online university in the world,” citing its Relearning method and teaching staff. Culture & Faith: The Apostolic Nuncio to Spain and Andorra warns against “cultural relativism” and “social indifference” during Andorra’s Meritxell Sanctuary anniversary celebrations.

Abortion Law Push: Andorra’s PM Xavier Espot says abortion will be decriminalized by April “whether the Holy See likes it or not,” while keeping the procedure itself restricted, to avoid putting the co-principality’s institutional setup at risk. Local Politics: Espot frames the move as a step-by-step negotiation with the Vatican, with the bishop of Urgell as co-head of state, meaning only one co-prince’s signature is needed for laws to take effect. Sports Streaming: DAZN has renewed its Formula 1 rights for Spain, Andorra and Portugal through 2030, adding coverage across F1, plus F2, F3, F1 Academy and Porsche Supercup. Travel Rules: New Zealand expands visa-free travel via NZeTA for citizens of about 60 countries, and Australia and the UK also publish expanded ETA eligibility lists that include Andorra. Tech & Education: TECH Global University touts a Forbes recognition as the “best online university in the world,” highlighting its “Relearning” method. AI in Business: An Andorra-based consultant says AI should “tell you what you need to do,” arguing for sovereign data centers and competition to prevent monopolies.

Abortion Law in Andorra: Andorran PM Xavier Espot says abortion will be decriminalized by April next year, “whether the Holy See likes it or not,” while keeping the procedure itself restricted—aiming to avoid putting the co-principality’s institutional balance at risk. Local Politics & Religion: The government is still negotiating with the Holy See, with the bishop of Urgell as co-head of state, and Espot frames the move as a “step by step” legal change rather than full legalization. Sports Broadcasting: DAZN has renewed its F1 rights for Spain, Andorra and Portugal through 2030, adding coverage for F2, F3, F1 Academy and Porsche Supercup. Andorra in International News: A German policy lists Andorra among 12 countries whose citizens can work in Germany without proving qualifications (subject to employment agency approval). Cycling Spotlight: Canadian Tour de France winner Michael Woods, now residing in Andorra, is coming out of retirement for the road world championships in Montreal.

Sports & Media: DAZN has renewed its Formula 1 rights for Spain, Andorra and Portugal through 2030, covering every practice, qualifying, Sprint and Grand Prix plus extra series content. Local Politics: Andorran PM Xavier Espot says abortion decriminalisation is the goal by April, “with or without Vatican approval,” but the government’s red line is avoiding abortion being performed inside Andorra. Religion & Society: The Apostolic Nuncio to Spain and Andorra, Piero Pioppo, urged action against “cultural relativism” and “social indifference” during Meritxell Day celebrations marking the sanctuary’s 50th anniversary. Citizenship & Law: Spain’s Congress has approved a bill that could create an exceptional route to Spanish nationality for Sahrawis born under Spanish administration, with the text now heading to the Senate. Travel Rules: New Zealand’s NZeTA visa-waiver list includes Andorra, while the UK and Australia have published detailed ETA rules and benefits for eligible nationalities. International Spotlight: Lionel Messi is reported to be close to taking majority control of Spanish second-division club Eldense, pending final legal steps.

Andorra Abortion Law: Andorran PM Xavier Espot says abortion will be decriminalised by April next year “whether the Holy See likes it or not,” while keeping the procedure itself restricted, to avoid putting the co-principality’s institutional setup at risk. Sports Streaming: DAZN has renewed its Formula 1 rights for Spain, Andorra and Portugal through 2030, covering every practice, qualifying, Sprint and Grand Prix plus related programming. Work Rules for Andorrans: Germany says citizens of 12 countries, including Andorra, can get employment residence permits without proving professional qualifications (still subject to approval by the Federal Employment Agency). Local Culture & Faith: Andorra marks the 50th anniversary of the Meritxell Sanctuary, with the Apostolic Nuncio urging society to resist “cultural relativism” and “social indifference.” International Spotlight: Lionel Messi is in talks to buy 100% of Spanish second-tier club Eldense, expanding his Spain ownership portfolio. Poker: Andorra’s Francisco Zufia cashed in the $250 Mystery Millions final table at the WSOP, finishing 8th.

Abortion Law Talks: Andorran PM Xavier Espot says abortion will be decriminalized by April, “whether the Holy See likes it or not,” while negotiations with the Vatican continue ahead of the parliamentary session. He stresses the plan would remove criminal penalties for women without legalizing the procedure, to avoid putting the co-principality’s institutional balance at risk. Sports Streaming: DAZN has renewed its F1 broadcast rights for Spain, Andorra and Portugal through 2030, covering practice, qualifying, Sprint and Grand Prix plus related series. Work Rules for Andorrans: Germany published a list of 12 countries whose citizens—including Andorra—can get a residence permit for employment without proving professional qualifications, though the Federal Employment Agency still must approve. Football Ownership: Lionel Messi is reported to be close to buying 100% of Spanish second-tier Eldense, after earlier investing in Catalan club Cornellà. Local Church Focus: Andorra marked the 50th anniversary of the Meritxell Sanctuary with a Mass led by Apostolic Nuncio Piero Pioppo, who warned against “cultural relativism” and “social indifference.”