Espot highlights Andorra's role in fighting climate change at Paris Peace Forum

Andorra's Prime Minister, Xavier Espot, has defended the importance of small states and mountain regions in tackling climate change during his participation in the Paris Peace Forum on Tuesday.

Speaking in the French capital, Espot called for stronger international cooperation and stressed that, for Andorra, "climate action is not an option. It is a responsibility."

The Prime Minister took part in a panel discussion entitled "Facing the Climate Emergency: What Can Cooperation Achieve?", where he outlined the Principality's environmental commitments and the challenges it continues to face, particularly regarding energy independence.

According to figures presented by the Government, Andorra still imports 78.2% of the electricity it consumes, despite 93.7% of domestically generated electricity already coming from renewable sources.

Andorra aims to cut emissions by 63% by 2035

Espot reiterated Andorra's commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 63% by 2035 compared with 2005 levels, as part of its broader objective of achieving climate neutrality by 2050.

The country's emissions have already fallen by 39% from their historical peak, according to the figures presented at the forum.

On energy policy, Espot highlighted an 89% increase in photovoltaic electricity generation over the past three years. Nevertheless, Andorra's heavy reliance on imported electricity remains one of its main challenges.

He argued that increasing domestic renewable energy production is not merely an environmental priority, but also essential to strengthening the country's energy security and independence.

Mountain regions face particularly severe climate risks

During his speech, Espot emphasised the consequences of global warming for mountain territories such as Andorra.

Rising temperatures, declining precipitation and changing ecosystems directly affect water resources, biodiversity, agriculture, economic activity and people's quality of life.

The Prime Minister argued that addressing these challenges would also help create societies that are "more resilient, fairer and more peaceful".

He insisted that small states and mountain regions must have access to international climate finance mechanisms, as well as the technologies and expertise needed to adapt to changing environmental conditions.

Espot calls for cooperation focused on measurable results

The Prime Minister advocated a form of multilateralism that goes beyond political declarations and is based on three pillars: commitments, transparency and results.

As an example, he recalled that Andorra became the first country to submit its Biennial Transparency Report to the United Nations in 2023 and, in 2025, was also the first to officially complete the international review process under the Paris Agreement's enhanced transparency framework.

He also highlighted Andorra's participation in the European LIFE Pyrenees4Clima project and its hosting of the seventh Global Meeting of the Mountain Partnership last March, which brought together representatives from 45 countries.

Espot stressed that climate adaptation must not replace efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, arguing that both strategies must progress together.

An energy transition that leaves no one behind

Another central message of Espot's intervention was the need to ensure a fair and inclusive climate transition, taking into account the financial circumstances of households, businesses and different economic sectors.

In this context, he referred to public programmes supporting energy-efficient building renovations, renewable energy installations and the purchase of electric vehicles.

The Prime Minister concluded by highlighting the ability of smaller nations to influence global change: "At our scale, we want to demonstrate that small states can also be drivers of major transformations."

He also linked climate action to the prevention of international conflicts, arguing that sustainable and equitable access to resources can help reduce tensions and promote peace.

Meeting with the French Co-Prince's representative

Espot's participation forms part of the ninth edition of the Paris Peace Forum, held on November 10 and 11, under the theme "From Sovereignty to Cooperation".

The event brings together more than 350 speakers across 80 sessions focusing on geopolitics, emerging technologies, sustainable development and child protection.

Andorra has endorsed the summit's "Children First" declaration, reaffirming the importance of protecting children's rights in accordance with the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child.

During his visit to Paris, Espot also met with Frédéric Rose, the representative of Andorra's French Co-Prince, to discuss the country's political, economic and social developments, as well as the Government's priorities during the final months of the legislative term.