As stated in a release from the Andorran government officials from Andorra and Germany are set to begin the first round of negotiations for an income tax treaty in November 2024.

The Head of Government, Xavier Espot, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Imma Tor, and the Secretary of State for Relations with the European Union, Landry Riba, received the German Federal Minister of State for Europe and Climate, Anna Lührmann, on Tuesday, 22 October 2024.

This visit marks the first time a member of the German government has visited Andorra and was organised to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries. The meeting confirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to Andorra’s rapprochement with the European Union through the Association Agreement. In fact, during the meetings, Lührmann expressed her country’s growing interest in investing in Andorra, taking advantage of the future economic diversification that the agreement with Europe will bring.

Minister Tor welcomed the visit, noting that it strengthens cooperation relations between the two countries. Lührmann stated to the media that “the Association Agreement will take relations between Andorra and the EU to the next level, and we hope it can be finalised soon, as the agreement will bring significant benefits to the Principality: greater economic diversification, closer relations between the EU member states in a time of change, and increased mobility for Andorran citizens.”

Tor emphasised that economic and financial cooperation is a central axis of the relations between the two countries. Therefore, work is also being done on establishing a new Double Taxation Agreement (DTA) that will further facilitate trade relations, attract investments, and promote economic growth in both Andorra and Germany, ensuring a fairer and more favourable fiscal framework. Conversations are ongoing following a technical visit to Andorra last May, with the first round of negotiations scheduled for next month in November in Berlin.

Evidence of this collaboration includes data on investments and exchanges between Andorra and Germany, which have steadily increased in recent years. In fact, imports from Germany rose from €88 million in 2022 to over EUR 104 million in 2024, showing sustained growth during this period. This increase reflects the growing confidence and relevance of German products in the Andorran market. Regarding exports, Germany also holds a significant position within the total exports of Andorra.

During the working meeting, the two leaders also discussed their shared fight against climate change and another key aspect for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs: the promotion of gender equality. In this regard, Minister Tor explained to Lührmann that Andorra has followed Germany’s path by integrating a gender perspective into public policies and foreign action. Finally, both leaders recalled the launch of the youth mobility program and committed to raising awareness of it so that young people from their respective countries can use it.

The visit is part of the celebrations marking the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Andorra and Germany. The visit concluded with a concert featuring musicians Efrem Roca (saxophone) and Miriam Manubens (piano). Prior to the celebration, and after meeting with the Government, Lührmann also met with the Legislative Commission on Foreign Affairs of the General Council and visited the Casa de la Vall.