Andorra's Ordino Arcalís resort is set to host the first-ever FIS Freeride World Championships from February 1 to 6, 2026, with the main competition day confirmed for February 3. This landmark event brings together 66 elite athletes from 17 nations, marking a significant step for freeride under the International Ski and Snowboard Federation.
Spanish rider and Andorran resident Tosha Schareina, representing Monster Energy Honda HRC, has clinched a commendable third-place finish in the motorcycle category of the 2026 Dakar Rally. The event, held across Saudi Arabia, saw Schareina secure three stage victories in a fiercely contested race that concluded on January 17, 2026.
Enric Torres, Director of Products and Activities at Andorra Turisme, emphasizes grilling as a core element of Andorran cuisine. This statement highlights the country's rich gastronomic heritage, deeply rooted in mountain traditions and local produce, with initiatives like 'Andorra Origins' promoting its unique flavors.
The Double Taxation Agreement (DTA) between Andorra and the United Kingdom officially entered into force on December 22, 2025, as announced by Andorra's Official Gazette on December 31, 2025. This landmark agreement, signed on February 20, 2025, aims to eliminate double taxation, prevent tax evasion, and foster greater economic cooperation and investment between the two nations.
Andorra welcomed its first baby of 2026, Salvador Aníbal Torres, born on January 1st at 04:53 AM at Hospital Nostra Senyora de Meritxell. Weighing 4.02 kg, he is the son of Camila Anakena Apablaza Ahumada and Juan Felipe Torres Maureira, residents of La Massana.
Andorra has detailed the upcoming unfreezing of rental contracts, set for January 2027. This move follows a period of government-imposed rent controls, initiated in 2024 to stabilize the housing market. The unfreezing could lead to potential rent increases of up to 25% for contracts established before 2012, signaling a significant shift for tenants and landlords.
The 2026 edition of La Vuelta a España, running from August 22 to September 13, will include a challenging all-Andorran Stage 4 on August 25. This 104.9 km mountain stage, starting and finishing in Andorra la Vella, will feature four significant mountain passes, marking Andorra's 25th appearance in the race's history.
The 2026 edition of La Vuelta a España, running from August 22 to September 13, will include a challenging Stage 4 entirely within Andorra. This 104.9 km mountainous stage, set for August 25, will start and finish in Andorra la Vella, featuring significant climbs like the Port d'Envalira, Collada de Beixalís, Coll de Ordino, and La Comella, poised to create early general classification gaps. The race begins in Monaco and concludes in Granada, Spain.
The 2026 edition of La Vuelta a España will include a challenging 104.9-kilometer mountain stage entirely within Andorra on August 25. This marks the fifth time the principality has hosted a full stage, featuring iconic climbs like Port d'Envalira and Collada de Beixalís.
Andorran courts have accepted a complaint to investigate four Spanish police officers for alleged coercion and extortion against Andorran citizens. The officers are accused of attempting to obtain banking information to frame Catalan officials as part of 'Operation Catalonia', a Spanish smear campaign against the Catalan independence movement.
Andorra's premier ski resorts, Grandvalira, Pal Arinsal, and Ordino Arcalís, are launching their 2025-2026 winter season. Ordino Arcalís opened early on November 27, while Grandvalira's Pas de la Casa sector pre-opened on December 4, with a general opening for Grandvalira and Pal Arinsal on December 5. Over 150 km of slopes are available, supported by significant investment and recent snowfalls.
FC Barcelona president Joan Laporta criticized Real Madrid during an event in Andorra la Vella on Friday, November 28, 2025. He accused their rivals of 'Barcelonitis' and attempting to influence referees, responding to recent comments by Real Madrid president Florentino Pérez regarding the 'Negreira Case' and alleged historical referee favoritism.
The sixth edition of L'ANDART, Andorra's International Art Biennial, concluded on November 14, 2025, in Sant Julià de Lòria. Focused on 'Pausa per continuar' (Pause to continue), the event fostered reflection on Andorra's past 25 years and its future, featuring 78 artists and Liechtenstein as the guest country.
Andorra is set to host the XIII APSAT Meeting from November 14 to 16, 2025, an international conference dedicated to dry stone and traditional architecture. The event, held at the Andorra la Vella Congress Centre and Cal Pal, will explore the historical, technical, and cultural significance of dry stone construction, recognized by UNESCO as intangible cultural heritage.
S&P Global Ratings has affirmed the Principality of Andorra's long- and short-term foreign and local currency sovereign credit ratings at 'A-/A-2' with a stable outlook. The decision, announced on November 7, 2025, reflects Andorra's strong fiscal position and economic growth, balanced against challenges like delayed EU integration and limited monetary flexibility.
The annual Andorra Shopping Festival, also known as Shop in Andorra Festival, has commenced, transforming Andorra la Vella, Escaldes-Engordany, and Pas de la Casa into vibrant hubs of retail, culture, and gastronomy. Running from November 7 to November 23, 2025, the event features discounts, live music, street art, and family-friendly activities.
The semi-finalists for the Copper-level Andorra Open 2025 squash tournament have been decided following intense quarter-final matches. Spain's Ivan Perez, England's Patrick Rooney, France's Gregoire Marche, and Switzerland's Yannick Wilhelmi have advanced to the penultimate round.
Bulgaria's Council of Ministers approved a draft treaty with Andorra on October 29, 2025, aimed at preventing double taxation and fiscal evasion. This marks the first such agreement between the two nations, aligning with international tax standards and fostering economic cooperation.
Andorra is scheduled for its fourth Universal Periodic Review (UPR) by the UN Human Rights Council's Working Group on 6 November 2025. The review will assess the country's human rights record, focusing on issues such as abortion laws, non-citizen rights, and gender equality, building on previous recommendations and national reports.
Andorran skyrunner Arnau Soldevila claimed the 2025 VK OPEN Championship title, setting a new course record of 36'58" at the Vertical Ruy Grand Finale in Bulgaria on October 18, 2025. Soldevila's victory also secured him the overall championship trophy.
