Espot calls for greater European cooperation against cyberattacks and foreign interference
Andorra's Prime Minister argues at the Dublin summit that cybersecurity is a matter of sovereignty
Andorra's Prime Minister, Xavier Espot, has called for greater cooperation among European countries to combat cyberattacks, disinformation and foreign interference, warning that these threats could undermine public trust in institutions and weaken democratic systems.
Espot made the remarks on Thursday during the ninth European Political Community Summit, held in Dublin, which brought together nearly 50 heads of state and government from both European Union member states and non-EU countries.
The Andorran leader spoke during a roundtable discussion entitled "Protecting and Defending a Democratic Europe", where he stressed the need for coordinated responses to threats affecting digital infrastructure, public services and political debate.
Espot argues that cybersecurity is also a matter of sovereignty
One of the Prime Minister's main messages was that small European states should be able to participate in cybersecurity initiatives, regardless of whether they belong to the European Union.
"Cybersecurity is also a matter of sovereignty, and it is important that geographically small countries can participate alongside European Union member states in efforts to combat cyberattacks," Espot stated.
He warned that cybersecurity incidents and information manipulation campaigns can have consequences extending far beyond the technological sphere.
According to Espot, these threats can disrupt public services, damage social cohesion and undermine citizens' confidence in democratic institutions.
He therefore insisted that Europe's response cannot be limited to individual national efforts but must involve greater international coordination.
Andorra wants to participate in Europe's fight against disinformation
The Prime Minister also highlighted the importance of strengthening international cooperation to tackle disinformation campaigns and attempts at foreign interference in democratic processes.
"These challenges know no borders. Therefore, our response cannot be limited by national borders either," he said.
Espot reiterated Andorra's willingness to contribute to the work of the Council of Europe in combating information manipulation and protecting democratic institutions.
At the same time, he emphasised that any response to these threats must safeguard freedom of expression and citizens' right to form their own opinions.
"Protecting democracy requires more than words. It requires action, cooperation and solidarity," he concluded.
Protecting children under 16 on social media
During his intervention, Espot also addressed the need to protect children and teenagers from the risks associated with digital environments.
The Prime Minister referred to a bill introduced by the Andorran government aimed at strengthening protections for children under the age of 16 on social media and improving age-verification mechanisms.
The proposed legislation forms part of Andorra's efforts to reduce minors' exposure to risks associated with certain digital platforms and online services.
Espot presented the issue as a shared European challenge, highlighting the need for governments to respond to the rapid evolution of digital platforms and their impact on society.
Nearly 50 European leaders attend the Dublin summit
The ninth European Political Community Summit took place under the theme "Europe: Strong, Secure and Connected", bringing together representatives from nearly 50 countries.
The meeting, held at Dublin's Convention Centre and chaired by Irish Prime Minister Micheál Martin, addressed issues including competitiveness, innovation, energy security and European stability.
Participants included European Council President António Costa, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, and European Parliament President Roberta Metsola.
The forum brought together European Union member states and other countries across the continent to discuss shared challenges and strengthen political cooperation.
Meetings with Liechtenstein, Monaco and San Marino
On the sidelines of the summit, Xavier Espot held bilateral meetings with representatives of several small European states to discuss common priorities and interests.
Among the meetings were discussions with Liechtenstein's Prime Minister Brigitte Haas, Prince Albert II of Monaco, and San Marino's Foreign Minister Luca Beccari.
These meetings provided an opportunity to address the particular challenges and priorities facing smaller European countries.
Espot also participated in a meeting of the European Coalition against Drugs, where Andorra supported a declaration aimed at strengthening international cooperation on drug prevention and combating illicit trafficking.
Andorra's participation in the Dublin summit therefore focused on promoting the role of small states in European security policies, strengthening international cooperation and maintaining diplomatic ties with other European countries.
Add new comment
Related news
