Future Andorra-Pyrenees cooperation aims to secure EU funding for the Tramvalira

The future Andorra-Pyrenees European Grouping of Territorial Cooperation (EGTC) aims to open the door to new European funding for cross-border projects such as the Tramvalira. Studies for the tram project have begun, but funding must still be secured before it can be built.

Noelia Souque, Andorra’s ambassador for cross-border cooperation, said the EGTC would make it possible to seek funding beyond regional cooperation programmes such as Poctefa and Sudoe.

The initiative was officially presented this week at the Second Cross-Border Cooperation Days, according to ANA.

Three areas of cooperation

Alongside the Tramvalira, the cross-border initiative aims to strengthen cooperation on natural areas and promote sustainable tourism.

On the environmental front, the partners plan to share information about ecosystems and species to improve park protection and their response to potential health crises and other emergencies.

Tourism projects would focus mainly on routes and developing the mountain economy across the three territories. The aim is to promote shared growth between Andorra, Catalonia and France.

The EGTC has already set out its areas of work: economic development, mobility and improved connectivity, cultural promotion and environmental protection. The next steps are to define a timetable and prepare the legal documents needed to establish it.

The future grouping could also support other initiatives, including a joint UNESCO bid relating to Andorra’s co-principality.