Andorra

The paréage of Andorra was a feudal charter that established the principality of Andorra as a co-sovereignty shared between the Count of Foix and the Bishop of Urgell. This document laid the foundation for Andorra's unique political structure as a co-principality, with the French and Spanish heads of state serving as co-princes. This arrangement has influenced Andorra's governance for centuries, making it one of the oldest continuous political systems in Europe.

In 1866, the New Reform was enacted in Andorra which modernized the political system. It was initiated by the Co-Prince, the Bishop of Urgell, and led to the creation of the General Council, a parliamentary institution. This reform established the basis for executives like the First Syndic and contributed to the development of a more structured political system, marking a key step in transitioning from medieval governance to a modern principality.

In 1933, France occupied Andorra as a result of social unrest and governance issues. French troops, authorized by the French co-prince, moved in to restore order. The occupation was a response to political instability and was intended to prevent further internal disorder, ensuring the continuous function of the principality's unique dual-monarchy system. French forces withdrew once stability was achieved.

On May 14, 1993, Andorra adopted its first constitution, which was subsequently approved by a referendum on March 14 of the same year. This constitution established Andorra as a parliamentary democracy while maintaining its status as a co-principality. It guaranteed fundamental rights, including the separation of powers and legal equality, enshrining the principles of modern governance and human rights in Andorra's political framework.

In October 1993, following the adoption of its constitution, Andorra joined the United Nations, positioning itself on the global stage. The membership marked an administration milestone by ensuring Andorra's commitment to international cooperation, peace, and security. Joining the UN reinforced Andorra's sovereignty and integration into the international community, highlighting its role as a sovereign state.

In 2011, Andorra implemented significant financial reforms to enhance transparency and combat tax evasion. These changes were motivated by international pressure, particularly from the European Union and the OECD, to align with global standards. It involved adopting new financial regulations and signing several tax information exchange agreements, aimed at improving financial trust and eliminating Andorra's image as a tax haven.

In March 2015, the Banca Privada d'Andorra (BPA) was involved in a major financial scandal. The US Treasury accused BPA of laundering money for organized crime networks in Russia, China, and Venezuela. This revelation sent shockwaves through the principality, leading to a significant intervention by Andorra's financial authorities, and catalyzed further financial sector reforms to clean up the banking system and restore international confidence.

In September 2019, Andorra passed legislation that allowed same-sex couples to marry, marking a significant milestone in the principality's social policy. The move was part of broader reforms to enhance equality and non-discrimination for the LGBTQ+ community, reflecting changing social attitudes and aligning Andorra with other progressive European nations in terms of civil rights and liberties.

In June 2020, Andorra signed an association agreement framework with the European Union aimed at increasing economic integration and cooperation. This agreement sought to better align Andorra's regulations with EU standards, improving market access and fostering closer economic ties. The agreement signaled a strategic shift towards greater collaboration and alignment with European economic policies.

In response to the global COVID-19 pandemic, Andorra implemented numerous public health measures beginning in March 2022. These included the establishment of vaccination programs, lockdowns, and travel restrictions designed to curb the spread of the virus. The government worked in coordination with European health bodies to ensure adequate medical supplies and support, reflecting Andorra’s commitment to managing the health crisis effectively.