AGP Executive Report

World Cup Focus: Andorra’s national team kept its momentum in international friendlies, beating Liechtenstein 2-0, while Spain and Iraq played out a 1-1 draw in La Coruña as both sides fine-tune for the 2026 tournament. UN & Humanitarian Affairs: The UN General Assembly adopted a resolution on the status of internally displaced persons and refugees from Abkhazia and South Ossetia, backing the right of displaced people to return in dignity and calling for annual reporting. Digital Trust in Andorra: The Andorran Data Protection Agency and the National Cybersecurity Agency stress prevention, awareness and agile, sovereign security for a small but highly connected country. Cloud & Data Infrastructure: Andorra Digital will host “Cloud Data Services: A New Catalogue of Opportunities” at the Andorra la Vella Congress Centre on June 10, aimed at helping public and private organisations contract secure cloud services. EU Association Talks: Andorra expanded observer seats in the EU association agreement “State Pact” to include business and union bodies, widening input as negotiations move forward. Health Policy: An abortion decriminalisation bill is fully drafted, but won’t advance until talks with the Holy See conclude.

World Cup Warmups: France and Ivory Coast meet in Nantes as both sides fine-tune for the 2026 tournament, while Spain hosts Iraq in A Coruña in a key pre-World Cup test. Andorra Football Spotlight: Andorra’s Marc Vales, the veteran defender and 100-cap milestone holder, is highlighted as he continues his international legacy. Digital Trust & Cybersecurity: Andorra’s Data Protection Agency head Jèssica Obiols and National Cybersecurity Agency chief Jordi Ubach stress “privacy by design” and agile, sovereign security models for a small but highly connected country. Cloud & Data Infrastructure: Andorra Digital will hold a June 10 event at the Andorra la Vella Congress Centre on cloud services and a new official catalogue, as officials also weigh a potential 50 MW data centre. EU Integration: Andorra expands its EU association agreement “State Pact” observer group with business and union bodies to broaden input as talks progress. Health Policy: A minister says a decriminalization bill for abortion is fully drafted but won’t move forward until dialogue with the Holy See concludes. Education Watch: Ghana’s GTEC warns the public about 70 unrecognized tertiary institutions, urging checks before enrolling.

World Cup Warmups (Andorra on the pitch): Andorra plays Liechtenstein in a men’s friendly today, part of a packed day of World Cup tune-ups that also includes France vs Ivory Coast and Spain vs Iraq. EU Association Talks (Local voices added): Andorra’s government has expanded its EU association agreement “State Pact” by adding business and union groups as observers, aiming to keep the public informed as negotiations with Brussels move forward. Abortion Law (Holy See talks): An Andorran minister says a fully drafted bill to decriminalize abortion is ready, but it won’t be advanced until dialogue with the Holy See concludes. Money Laundering (Council of Europe): Andorra has approved joining the Warsaw Convention on laundering, seizure and confiscation of criminal proceeds and terrorism financing. Education Warning (Ghana list includes Andorra-linked providers): Ghana’s tertiary regulator warns against 70 unrecognized institutions, including some operating in Andorra, urging people to verify accreditation before enrolling. Sports/Travel Listings: TV and radio schedules highlight today’s international fixtures, including Andorra vs Liechtenstein.

Abortion Decriminalization Talks: Andorra’s minister Ladislau Baró says a fully drafted bill to decriminalize abortion is ready, but it won’t move forward until negotiations with the Holy See conclude, highlighting the principality’s sensitive co-prince system. Anti-Money Laundering Upgrade: The Andorran Executive approved accession to the Council of Europe’s Warsaw Convention on money laundering and terrorism financing, strengthening the country’s cooperation framework. Education Scrutiny: Separate from Andorra, Ghana’s regulator GTEC warned the public about 70 unrecognised tertiary institutions, including some operating in Ghana and abroad, urging people to verify credentials. Sports in the Region: Andorra was also in the spotlight in international football coverage, including Iraq’s World Cup squad news after a friendly win over Andorra, plus broader World Cup build-up stories. Local Life & Events: A reminder of the wider weekend scene includes major Pride road-closure planning in Philadelphia and other international listings, while cycling coverage highlighted Andorra’s HERO UCI Marathon event and upcoming races.

Abortion Law Stalls: Andorra has a fully drafted bill to decriminalize abortion, but it won’t be advanced while talks with the Holy See are ongoing, according to a minister. Diplomatic Appointments: The National Assembly approved Samuel Moncada as Venezuela’s ambassador to France, with participation in Andorra and Monaco. Anti–Money Laundering Step: Andorra’s Executive has green-lit accession to the Council of Europe Warsaw Convention on laundering, seizure and confiscation of criminal proceeds and terrorism financing. International Condemnation: 56 countries and the EU, including Andorra, condemned a Russian drone violation of Romanian airspace in a UN Security Council joint statement. Sports—World Cup Build-Up: Iraq named Ahmed Qasem in its 2026 World Cup squad; he debuted for Iraq in a friendly against Andorra. Local Spotlight: In the Andorra neighborhood, Giant’s new supermarket at the Andorra Shopping Center is set to open June 19, replacing the former Acme site.

Diplomatic Appointments: Andorra’s National Assembly approved Dr. Samuel Reynaldo Moncada Acosta as Venezuela’s ambassador to France, with participation in Andorra and Monaco. Local Economy & Retail: The Giant Company is opening a new ~50,000-square-foot store in Philadelphia’s Andorra neighborhood on June 19, creating 160+ jobs and adding features like an organic produce area, hot food bar, and a mezzanine beer-and-wine zone. International Cooperation: Andorra moved to strengthen anti-money laundering and counter-terror financing rules by approving accession to the Council of Europe’s Warsaw Convention. Europe Security: 56 countries including Andorra condemned a Russian drone violation of Romanian airspace in a UN Security Council joint statement. Sports (Andorra in the spotlight): Iraq’s World Cup squad includes Ahmed Qasem, who debuted for Iraq in a friendly against Andorra; Iraq also beat Andorra 1-0 in a World Cup warm-up. Regional Politics: Serbian Parliament Speaker Ana Brnabic visited Andorra, pushing closer ties in international institutions and discussing EU integration.

World Cup Squad News: Iraq has named Sweden-born midfielder Ahmed Qasem in its final 26-man squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup after FIFA approved his nationality switch; he debuted for Iraq on May 29 in a friendly against Andorra, as the Lions of Mesopotamia prepare for Group I matches against Norway (June 16), France (June 22) and Senegal (June 26). Diplomacy & Europe: Andorra has formally moved to strengthen its anti–money laundering and counter-terror financing framework by green-lighting accession to the Council of Europe Warsaw Convention, updating cooperation tools beyond its 1990 treaty. International Relations: Serbian Parliament Speaker Ana Brnabic visited Andorra to push closer ties, with talks focused on EU integration and cooperation in international institutions, including the Council of Europe. Sports Calendar (Small Countries): Andorra will play in the FIBA European Championship for Small Countries 2026 in Gibraltar (June 23-28), with the 2024 title won by Andorra over Malta. Travel Rules: Wizz Air warns UK travellers to arrive up to three hours early this summer as Europe’s Entry/Exit System (EES) biometric checks continue to cause long airport queues.

Anti-Money Laundering Upgrade: Andorra’s Executive has approved the country’s accession to the Council of Europe’s Warsaw Convention on laundering, seizure and confiscation of criminal proceeds, and financing of terrorism—aimed at tightening cooperation and aligning with FATF and MONEYVAL standards. Sports—World Cup Build-Up: Iraq kicked off its 2026 World Cup preparations with a 1-0 friendly win over Andorra, with Ali Yusuf scoring early; Iraq now heads to the U.S. for the tournament after a final warm-up against Spain. GTEC Warning on Qualifications: Ghana’s tertiary regulator, GTEC, has published a list of 70 institutions it says are not recognised due to quality-assurance concerns, urging students and employers to verify credentials before relying on certificates. Border/Travel—EES Pressure: Wizz Air is warning travellers to arrive up to three hours early as Europe’s Entry/Exit System (EES) continues to trigger long passport-control queues, especially during the summer rush. Basketball—Commitment Message: Canada’s men’s team, under new coach Gordie Herbert, is telling players “no is better than maybe” as it names a 23-man training camp group for World Cup qualifying. Basketball—Local Interest: Unicaja has begun an urgent restructuring after coach Ibon Navarro decided not to work his final contract year, prompting a search for a replacement.

Anti-Money Laundering Update: Andorra’s Executive has approved accession to the Council of Europe’s Warsaw Convention on laundering, seizure and confiscation of crime proceeds, and terrorism financing—building on its 1990 agreement and aligning with FATF and MONEYVAL standards. International Diplomacy: Serbian Parliament Speaker Ana Brnabic visited Andorra, pushing stronger cooperation in Council of Europe institutions and discussing EU integration, tourism, education and sustainable development. Sports—Andorra on the World Stage: Iraq beat Andorra 1-0 in a World Cup warm-up friendly, with Ali Yusuf scoring in the 21st minute ahead of Iraq’s final preparations for the tournament. Basketball—Small Countries: Andorra is set to play in the FIBA European Championship for Small Countries in Gibraltar (June 23-28), while the women’s edition runs in Peja, Kosovo, with Andorra in Group B. Local Business Spotlight: Altea la Vella held Local Commerce Day to back neighbourhood traders with promotions, music and family activities.

Crime & Finance: Italy seized more than €200 million in assets tied to late Sicilian mafia boss Matteo Messina Denaro, including gold bars, cash, luxury watches and about 20 properties, with raids reaching Andorra and other offshore-linked jurisdictions; investigators say the money was laundered through companies and investments built over decades. Diplomacy: Serbian Parliament Speaker Ana Brnabic visited Andorra, meeting officials including FM Imma Tor Faus and foreign affairs committee members, pushing stronger cooperation in international institutions and EU integration ties. Sports (Andorra in focus): Iraq beat Andorra 1-0 in a World Cup warm-up friendly, with Ali Yusuf scoring in the 21st minute; the teams now head into the tournament build-up. Local Community: Altea la Vella held a Local Commerce Day to boost neighborhood businesses with promotions, music and family activities. Cycling & Sport Culture: A Norco video highlights fast laps on the old Andorra World Cup downhill track.

Andorra-Iraq Football: Iraq edged Andorra 1-0 in a World Cup warm-up in Girona, with Ali Yusuf scoring from distance in the 21st minute as both sides used the friendly to fine-tune squads ahead of the June 11 tournament. Serbia-Andorra Diplomacy: Serbian Parliament Speaker Ana Brnabic wrapped up an official visit to Andorra, pushing closer cooperation in international institutions and EU integration, and meeting Andorran counterparts on political dialogue and committee-to-committee exchanges. Anti-Mafia Probe Touches Andorra: Italy’s anti-mafia authorities seized more than €200m tied to late Sicilian boss Matteo Messina Denaro, with assets and firms reportedly traced across Europe and offshore hubs including Andorra, alongside gold, cash, luxury properties and watches. Local Commerce in Altea la Vella: Hundreds turned out for Local Commerce Day in Altea la Vella, with shops offering deals and streets filled with music and family activities to back neighbourhood businesses. Sports Spotlight (Andorra-linked): British distance runner Jess Martin, who lives in Andorra, returned to international action in the European Cup 10,000m in Italy, finishing 16th and helping Great Britain narrowly miss a team bronze.

World Cup Warm-Up: Iraq edged Andorra 1-0 in a friendly as Ali Yusuf scored in the 21st minute, with the match part of Iraq’s final camp before the 2026 tournament in the US, Mexico and Canada. Diplomacy in Andorra la Vella: Serbian Parliament Speaker Ana Brnabic wrapped up talks in Andorra aimed at stronger cooperation in international institutions, including the Council of Europe, and met Andorran officials on EU integration and bilateral political dialogue. Anti-Mafia Probe Touches Andorra: Italy says it seized more than €200 million in assets tied to late Sicilian boss Matteo Messina Denaro, with investigations involving Andorra alongside other offshore-linked locations. Local Commerce Push: Altea la Vella held Local Commerce Day to back neighbourhood businesses with promotions, music and family activities. Sports Spotlight: Cycling news from Andorra includes training and comeback stories, while Giro Women debut plans for Cat Ferguson mention training out of Andorra ahead of sprint-focused stages.

Diplomacy in focus: Serbian Parliament Speaker Ana Brnabic wrapped up an official visit to Andorra, saying the goal is stronger Serbia–Andorra ties and better cooperation in international institutions, including the Council of Europe, with EU integration and Kosovo-Metohija also on the agenda. Foreign policy talks: Brnabic met Andorran FM Imma Tor Faus to discuss political dialogue plus cooperation in tourism, education and sustainable development, and also met members of Andorra’s foreign affairs parliamentary committee to push inter-parliamentary exchanges. Sports—friendly on the calendar: Andorra are set to play Iraq in a World Cup-prep friendly at Montilivi Stadium in Girona. Local commerce push: Altea la Vella held a Local Commerce Day to back neighbourhood businesses with promotions, music and family activities. Cross-border crime probe: Italy announced seizures tied to late mafia boss Matteo Messina Denaro, including assets and companies worth over €200m across multiple countries including Andorra.

Diplomatic Spotlight: Serbian Parliament Speaker Ana Brnabic met Andorra’s parliamentary leadership during an official visit, with talks focused on EU integration and boosting inter-parliamentary cooperation through groups like the Council of Europe and La Francophonie. Cross-Border Crime Probe: Italy’s anti-mafia authorities say they’ve seized more than €200 million linked to late Cosa Nostra boss Matteo Messina Denaro, with assets and companies targeted across multiple countries including Andorra, Gibraltar, Switzerland and Spain; investigators also report three arrests and the seizure of gold, cash and luxury properties tied to decades of laundering. Sports—Andorra Connection: Island-based distance runner Jess Martin returned to top-level competition after an eight-year break, finishing 16th at the European Cup 10,000m in La Spiezia; she trains in Andorra while keeping ties to her club in the UK. Cycling—Giro Debut: Andorra-based training is in the spotlight again as British sprinter Cat Ferguson prepares for her Giro d’Italia Women debut, aiming for sprint-stage success.

Cross-Border Crime Crackdown: Italy says it has seized more than €200m (about $232m) tied to late Sicilian mafia boss Matteo Messina Denaro, with raids and asset freezes reaching Andorra plus Gibraltar, the Cayman Islands, Monaco, Spain and others; authorities describe the haul as gold, cash, luxury properties and companies built from drug profits reinvested since the 1980s, and say three people were arrested. Papal Diplomacy: Pope Leo XIV will visit San Marino on Saturday, Aug. 22, 2026—his second trip to a European microstate after Monaco—marking another moment for the small states that include Andorra in the group of five. Local Sports Spotlight: Andorra’s name pops up in football results, with FC Andorra losing 0-2 to AD Ceuta FC in LaLiga 2, while other sports coverage includes cycling and tennis items that connect back to Andorra residents and training.

Cross-Border Crime Crackdown: Italy says it has seized more than €200 million ($232m) tied to late Sicilian mafia boss Matteo Messina Denaro, with assets and companies reportedly held across Andorra, the Cayman Islands, Gibraltar, Lebanon, Luxembourg, Monaco, Spain and Switzerland, plus Italy; authorities say the fortune was built from drug trafficking profits reinvested since the 1980s, and three people were arrested. Local Sports Spotlight: A new video from Andorra’s Old World Cup track shows Norco adidas Race Division riders putting in fast laps and loose turns during a session on the downhill circuit. International Tennis: Novak Djokovic fought back to beat Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard 5-7, 7-5, 6-1, 6-4 in the French Open first round, extending his record 82nd Grand Slam appearance. Cycling Note: Ireland’s Archie Ryan says he’s back after double knee surgery, aiming to build fitness and move past long-running knee issues.