Andorra News 2017
27.10.2017 Andorra does not recognize the independence declaration of Catalonia
Andorra's government regards the unilateral declaration of independence of the Catalan regional parliament in Barcelona without legal effect. Catalonia is still considered an integral part of Spain.
19.09.2017 Enric Palmitjavila Ribó is dead
The former Honorary Consul of the Federal Republic of Germany (2004-2014) died after a long illness at the age of 80 years.
The online daily ara.ad describes the deceased as a philanthropist.
Since 2015, his daughter Cristina Palmitjavila Serra carries on the office of the Honorary Consul.
13.09.2017 Andorra projects an embassy in Berlin
Prime Minister Martí announced the opening of an embassy in Berlin.
The new diplomatic mission shall commence activity next year.
Martí justifies the need for more presence in Germany with Germany's successful economic policy.
14.07.2017 Legal uncertainty: corporate taxation and fiscal sovereignty [CA]
The government has announced that four extremely favorable tax rates of corporate taxation, which has only been in force since 2011, will be gradually abolished as they are no longer compatible with the OECD directives.
Over the past 5 years the government has massively campaigned for foreigners to invest in Andorra with the argument of particularly favorable tax rates. Those who have been attracted by the government's promises and propaganda now understandably react angrily.
It is worrying that the tax reform supposedly takes place under pressure from the EU, which undermines the tax sovereignty of Andorra, especially since the tax rates were classified as harmless internationally before their introduction in 2011.
If Andorra continues to allow the EU or OECD to prescribe its tax legislation, the opening up to foreign investors has failed, not only because of the lack of favorable tax rates, but mainly because of the increasing legal uncertainty and lack of credibility in all areas.
With the abolition of the favorable tax rates, the opening for foreign investors is choked off before this was able to gather pace. In addition to the many bureaucratic obstacles with which investors in Andorra are struggling, which entrepreneur would take the risk and waste his money.
02.05.2017 Union denounces rightlessness and lack of independence of the justice [DE]
Every year on May 1st, trade unionists criticize the conditions in Andorra.
29.03.2017 Removal of telecommunication and postal secrecy planned for all delicts
A bill presented by the government plans to amend the Criminal Code, which extends telephone monitoring to all crimes relevant to criminal law without having to provide proof of the reason for a surveillance.
Particularly the lawyers' chamber points to the fact that the constitution is being violated by the measures and that the parliament should resist the government's attempt.
28.03.2017 Attack on taxpayers from ambush [DE]
Tax legislation is to become applicable before the publication for the rigid prevention of any tax evasion.
12.03.2017 Non-profit organizations suspected of money laundering
For the prevention of money laundering and the financing of terrorism and on the recommendation of the 'Grup d'Acció Financera (GAFI)'
all non-profit organizations are subjected to an investigation by the Andorran financial unit 'Unitat d'Intel·ligència Financera d'Andorra (UIFAND)'.
11.03.2017 Surfers from Andorra are blocked [DE]
More and more operators of webpages exclude visitors from countries like Andorra.
10.03.2017 Andorra's image abroad is explored through an online opinion poll [DE]
Andorran Business Confederation is conducting an online survey on the image of Andorra as an investment location for the strategic realignment of the country. By doing this, participants can influence the development of Andorra.
09.03.2017 Again new quota for Passive Residents
The Council of Ministers approved a new quota allowing the Immigration Department to grant up to 600 new residence permits without work permits. Due to the introduction of the income tax in 2015, a huge out-migration of passive residents occurred, which is now being filled by new residents, who usually have to invest at least 400.000 EUR in Andorra.
06.03.2017 Reduction of duty-free allowance for tobacco postulated
The bill of the French parliamentary group Union of Democrats and Independents and the Centralists provides for the protection of the French tobacco trade to limit the duty-free allowances for duty and tax free importation of smoking tobacco contained in the personal luggage of the traveller from Andorra to France to 2 packets per person, about 30 cigaretts. The current duty-free allowances for tobacco is at 400g.
05.03.2017 The Liberals suggest putting negotiations with the EU on ice
Andorra's Liberals see the need to suspend the negotiations with the EU until it is clear "with what kind of Europe is to negotiate". Following the recommendation of the World Council of the Liberal International (LI), Andorra's Liberals are now also awaiting further developments in the EU. They underline a "yes" to Europe and the willingness of an 'intelligent' agreement with Brussels, but not to issue a 'carte blanche' on EU demands.
03.03.2017 Andorra works aggressively on tax collection [DE]
By detailed examination of the tax declarations, tax revenues will be massively increased. Persistent tax evaders are threaten by the confiscation of assets.
02.03.2017 Cash prohibition on transactions over 30,000 EUR
In order to prevent and combat money laundering and the financing of terrorism, cash transactions are limited to 30,000 EUR in addition to 2,000 other measures. Shops must identify and register transactions with customers in the future starting from 10,000 EUR, currently 15,000 EUR.
01.03.2017 Congress of the Liberal International (LI) in Andorra
The congress on the celebration of the 70th anniversary of the World Federation of Liberal Parties, founded in 1947, will take place this year from 18 to 21 May in Andorra. The biggest talking point will be the updating of the principles of liberalism in the 21st century.
The current President of the Federation is, since 2014, the former Minister of Foreign Affairs of Andorra, Juli Minoves Triquell. 250 participants from all over Europe are expected to attend the meeting, including ministers and MPs of the European Parliament.
Those who say that they are liberal in Andorra have far removed from the ideas of classical liberalism and are, at most, liberal for themselves. There is a lack of 'real' liberals with a clear commitment to freedom and justice.
22.02.2017 France closes consulate in Andorra due to lack of money
France's budget crisis requires the closure of the French consulate in Andorra to save costs.
The approximately 3,200 French residents in Andorra must either travel to France or Spain. As of 1 September 2017, the French Consulates General in Barcelona and in Madrid take over the consular service. However, due to the proximity to the French border, French nationals in Andorra are allowed to apply for passports and ID cards in any city in France.
The austerity measure shows how deeply busted is France's treasury.
14.02.2017 Current warning for investors in Andorra [DE]
Anyone who flees to tangible assets is quickly suspected of being a money launderer. Legal security looks different.
25.01.2017 State of emergency law in preparation [DE]
The Andorran Government is making preparations to regulate the state of emergency.
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