Editing Andorra (section)

===20th and 21st century: Modernisation of the country and constitutional Andorra===
[[File:Skossyreff Writing Constitution.png|thumb|right|upright=0.8|[[Boris Skossyreff]], briefly self-proclaimed King of Andorra in 1934]]

In 1933 France occupied Andorra following social unrest which occurred before elections due to the [[Andorran Revolution|Revolution of 1933]] and the FHASA strikes (Vagues de FHASA); the revolt led by [[Young Andorrans|Joves Andorrans]] (a [[Trade union|labour union group]] related to the Spanish [[Confederación Nacional del Trabajo|CNT]] and [[Federación Anarquista Ibérica|FAI]]) called for political reforms,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.international-club-andorra.com/andorra-club-intercomm/historical-andorra-articles/rebellion-in-andorra-1933/|title=Rebellion in Andorra 1933 – International Club of Andorra|website=International-club-andorra.com|date=5 March 2017 |access-date=29 December 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190506122103/https://www.international-club-andorra.com/andorra-club-intercomm/historical-andorra-articles/rebellion-in-andorra-1933/|archive-date=6 May 2019}}</ref> the [[universal suffrage|universal suffrage vote]] of all Andorrans and acted in defence of the rights of local and foreign workers during the construction of FHASA's hydroelectric power station in [[Encamp]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.bondia.ad/cultura/1933-la-republica-que-quasi-va-ser|title=1933: la República que quasi va ser|website=BonDia Diari digital d'Andorra.}}</ref> On 5 April 1933 Joves Andorrans seized the Andorran Parliament.<ref>{{cite web |title=Príncipes de Andorra |url=https://www.pressreader.com/spain/la-vanguardia-1%C2%AA-edici%C3%B3n/20170604/282071981866496 |via=PressReader}}</ref> These actions were preceded by the arrival of Colonel René-Jules Baulard with 50 [[National Gendarmerie|gendarmes]] and the mobilisation of 200 local militias or sometent led by the Síndic Francesc Cairat.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bondia.ad/cultura/quan-vam-treure-lescopeta|title=Quan vam treure l'escopeta|website=BonDia Diari digital d'Andorra.}}</ref>

On 6 July 1934, adventurer and nobleman [[Boris Skossyreff]], with his promise of freedoms and modernisation of the country and wealth through the establishment of a tax haven and foreign investments, received the support of the members of the General Council to proclaim himself the sovereign of Andorra. On 8 July 1934 Boris issued a proclamation in Urgell, declaring himself Boris I, King of Andorra,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.andorraantiga.com/boris-i-rei-d-andorra.html|title=Boris I Rei d'Andorra|first=Albert Daina|last=Marsenyach|website=El Coprincipat d'Andorra ara fa molt de temps.|access-date=22 January 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200116043649/http://www.andorraantiga.com/boris-i-rei-d-andorra.html|archive-date=16 January 2020}}</ref> simultaneously declaring war on the Bishop of Urgell and approving the King's constitution on 10 July.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bondia.ad/opinio/la-primera-constitucio|title=La primera Constitució|website=BonDia Diari digital d'Andorra.|access-date=18 January 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190506122350/https://www.bondia.ad/opinio/la-primera-constitucio|archive-date=6 May 2019}}</ref> He was arrested by the Co-Prince and Bishop [[Justí Guitart i Vilardebó]] and their authorities on 20 July and ultimately expelled from [[Second Spanish Republic|Spain]].<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1934/09/20/archives/-king-boris-of-andorra-is-sent-to-jail-in-spain.html|title='King' Boris of Andorra Is Sent to Jail in Spain|date=20 September 1934|website=[[The New York Times]]}}</ref> From 1936 until 1940, a French military detachment of [[Garde Mobile]] led by well-known Colonel René-Jules Baulard was garrisoned in Andorra to secure the principality against disruption from the [[Spanish Civil War]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.elperiodic.ad/noticia/60166/limpacte-dels-refugiats-durant-la-guerra-civil|title=L'impacte dels refugiats durant la Guerra Civil|website=El Periòdic d'Andorra|date=28 September 2017 |access-date=21 January 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190506122055/https://www.elperiodic.ad/noticia/60166/limpacte-dels-refugiats-durant-la-guerra-civil|archive-date=6 May 2019}}</ref> and [[Francoist Spain]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bondia.ad/cultura/1937-baulard-compta-morts|title=1937: Baulard compta morts|website=BonDia Diari digital d'Andorra.|access-date=14 January 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190506122102/https://www.bondia.ad/cultura/1937-baulard-compta-morts|archive-date=6 May 2019}}</ref> and also face the rise of [[Republicanism]] in the aftermath of the 1933 Revolution.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://publicacions.iec.cat/Front/repository/pdf/00000258/00000034.pdf |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20221009/https://publicacions.iec.cat/Front/repository/pdf/00000258/00000034.pdf |archive-date=2022-10-09 |url-status=live|title=La revolución andorrana del 1933|website=Publicacions.iec.cat|access-date=26 March 2019}}</ref> During the Spanish Civil War, the inhabitants of Andorra welcomed refugees from both sides, and many of them settled permanently in the country thus contributing to the subsequent economic boom and the entry into the [[Capitalism|capitalist]] era of Andorra.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.editorialgavarres.cat/index.php?option=com_redshop&view=product&pid=65&Itemid=23&lang=ca|title=Franquisme i repressió – Cadí-Pedraforca – Editorial Gavarres|website=Editorialgavarres.cat|access-date=21 January 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190506122054/http://www.editorialgavarres.cat/index.php?option=com_redshop&view=product&pid=65&Itemid=23&lang=ca|archive-date=6 May 2019}}</ref><ref name="qucut.com">{{cite web|url=http://www.qucut.com/portfolio/documental-2/|title=Jordi Sasplugas. El Mirador d'Andorra. Documental|access-date=21 January 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190717085844/http://www.qucut.com/portfolio/documental-2/|archive-date=17 July 2019}}</ref> Francoist troops reached the Andorran border in the later stages of the war.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.elperiodic.ad/noticia/47550/andorra-entre-guerres|title=Andorra entre guerres|website=El Periòdic d'Andorra|date=13 November 2015 |access-date=14 January 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190506122103/https://www.elperiodic.ad/noticia/47550/andorra-entre-guerres|archive-date=6 May 2019}}</ref>

[[File:22B_andorra_2.jpg|thumb|Enthronement as Co-Prince in 1942 of Bishop [[Ramon Iglesias i Navarri|Ramón Iglesias]] (centre). The local comite was led by Francesc Cairat (left), the [[List of First Syndics of the General Council|First General Syndic]] with the longest regencie, from 1936 to 1960<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.elperiodic.ad/opinio/article/44230/francesc-cairat-i-freixes|title=Antoni Pol – Francesc Cairat i Freixes|website=El Periòdic d'Andorra|access-date=22 January 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190506122053/https://www.elperiodic.ad/opinio/article/44230/francesc-cairat-i-freixes|archive-date=6 May 2019}}</ref>]]

During World War II, Andorra remained neutral and was an important smuggling route between [[Vichy France]] and Francoist Spain.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://diposit.ub.edu/dspace/bitstream/2445/66337/1/TFG%20Esteves%20Lorenzo%2C%20Sergi.pdf|title=Exili i evasions al Principat d'Andorra durant la Guerra Civil Espanyola i la Segona Guerra Mundial 1936–1945|website=Diposit.ub.edu|access-date=26 March 2019}}</ref> Many Andorrans criticised the passivity of the General Council for impeding both the entry and expulsion of foreigners and refugees, committing economic crimes,<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://blocs.mesvilaweb.cat/txemabofill/entrevista-a-enric-melich-gutierrez-maquis-de-la-resistencia-francesa-passador-de-jueus-i-clandestins-activista-anarquista-llibreter-i-sindicalista/|title=Entrevista a Enric Melich Gutiérrez, maquis de la resistència francesa, passador de jueus i clandestins, activista anarquista, llibreter i sindicalista – En contra|date=21 July 2012|website=Blocs de VilaWeb}}</ref> reducing the rights of citizens<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cossetania.com/la-crulla-andorrana-de-1933-la-revoluci-de-la-modernitat-939|title=La cruïlla andorrana de 1933: la revolució de la modernitat|website=Cossetania.com|access-date=22 January 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190327090415/https://www.cossetania.com/la-crulla-andorrana-de-1933-la-revoluci-de-la-modernitat-939|archive-date=27 March 2019}}</ref> and sympathy with [[Francoism]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://aquiradioandorra.free.fr/DocumentsInedits/1944-08-15-Lettre.pdf|title=Letter|website=Aquiradioandorra.free.fr|access-date=26 March 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190203150323/http://aquiradioandorra.free.fr/DocumentsInedits/1944-08-15-Lettre.pdf|archive-date=3 February 2019}}</ref><ref name="iec.cat">{{cite web|url=https://publicacions.iec.cat/Front/repository/pdf/00000119/00000079.pdf |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20221009/https://publicacions.iec.cat/Front/repository/pdf/00000119/00000079.pdf |archive-date=2022-10-09 |url-status=live|title=L'Andorra "fosca " i l'Andorra "generosa " durant la Segona Guerra Mundial Claudi Benet i Mas|website=Publicacions.iec.cat|access-date=26 March 2019}}</ref> General Council members justified the council's political and diplomatic actions as necessary for Andorra's survival and the protection of its sovereignty. Andorra was relatively unscathed by the two world wars and the Spanish Civil War.<ref name="iec.cat"/><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bondia.ad/cultura/1936-1945-dues-guerres-i-un-miracle|title=1936–1945: dues guerres i un miracle|website=BonDia Diari digital d'Andorra.|access-date=22 January 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190506122102/https://www.bondia.ad/cultura/1936-1945-dues-guerres-i-un-miracle|archive-date=6 May 2019}}</ref> Certain [[Resistance during World War II|groups]] formed to help victims of oppression in [[Nazi Germany|Nazi]]-occupied countries, while participating in smuggling to help Andorra survive. Among the most prominent was the [[Hostal Palanques]] Evasion Network Command, which, in contact with the British [[MI6]], helped almost 400 fugitives,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.elperiodic.ad/noticia/32684/adu-a-una-estirp-dherois|title=L'últim del Palanques|website=El Periòdic d'Andorra|date=26 August 2013 |access-date=22 January 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190506122124/https://www.elperiodic.ad/noticia/32684/adu-a-una-estirp-dherois|archive-date=6 May 2019}}</ref> among whom were [[Allies of World War II|Allied]] military personnel.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.elperiodic.ad/noticia/32410/sigues-britnic|title=¡Sigues britànic!|website=El Periòdic d'Andorra|date=8 August 2013 |access-date=22 January 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190506122105/https://www.elperiodic.ad/noticia/32410/sigues-britnic|archive-date=6 May 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.elperiodic.ad/noticia/20065/baldrich-heroi-de-novella|title=Baldrich, heroi de novel·la|website=El Periòdic d'Andorra|date=7 January 2012 |access-date=22 January 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190506122053/https://www.elperiodic.ad/noticia/20065/baldrich-heroi-de-novella|archive-date=6 May 2019}}</ref> The Command remained active between 1941 and 1944, although there were struggles with [[Axis powers|pro-Axis]] informers and [[Gestapo]] agents in Andorra.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.elperiodic.ad/noticia/19993/camina-quimet-camina|title=Camina, Quimet, camina|website=El Periòdic d'Andorra|date=3 January 2012 |access-date=22 January 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190506122055/https://www.elperiodic.ad/noticia/19993/camina-quimet-camina|archive-date=6 May 2019}}</ref>
[[File:23-24.10.67. De Gaulle en Andorre (1967) - 53Fi5569.jpg|thumb|Co-Prince [[Charles de Gaulle]] in the streets of Sant Julià de Lòria in Andorra, October 1967]]

In the capital city there was a smuggling black market of propaganda, culture and cinematic art not favourable to totalitarian regimes, promulgated in such places as the Hotel Mirador or the Casino Hotel,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bondia.ad/cultura/en-terres-dandorra-la-primera-obra-de-teatre-escrita-un-autor-autocton|title='En terres d'Andorra', la primera obra de teatre escrita per un autor autòcton|website=BonDia Diari digital d'Andorra.|access-date=22 January 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190506122103/https://www.bondia.ad/cultura/en-terres-dandorra-la-primera-obra-de-teatre-escrita-un-autor-autocton|archive-date=6 May 2019}}</ref> as a meeting place for [[Free France|Free French]] forces and a route for escorting crashed Allied pilots out of Europe.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Andora |url=https://www.nevingtonwarmuseum.com/andora.html |access-date=October 19, 2022 |website=Nevington War Museum |language=en}}</ref> The network was maintained after the war, when film societies were formed, where movies, music and books [[Censorship in Francoist Spain|censored in Franco's Spain]] were imported, becoming an anti-censorship attraction for the Catalan or foreign public even within Andorra.<ref name="qucut.com"/> Andorran Group (Agrupament Andorrà), an [[Anti-fascism|anti-fascist organisation]] linked to the Occitanie's [[French Resistance]], accused the French representative (veguer) of collaboration with [[Nazism]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.elperiodic.ad/noticia/36296/una-dodis-sarracens-a-la-vegueria|title=Una d'odis sarracens a la vegueria|website=El Periòdic d'Andorra|date=22 March 2014 |access-date=22 January 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190506122126/https://www.elperiodic.ad/noticia/36296/una-dodis-sarracens-a-la-vegueria|archive-date=6 May 2019}}</ref>

The Andorran opening to the [[capitalist economy]] resulted in two axes: mass tourism and the country's tax exemption. The first steps towards the capitalist boom date from the 1930s, with the construction of FHASA<ref name="iec.cat1">{{Cite web|url=http://revistes.iec.cat/index.php/TSCG/article/download/37437/37420|title=La transformació econòmica d'Andorra durant el segle XX|accessdate=24 February 2025}}</ref> and the creation of professional banking<ref>{{cite web|url=http://diposit.ub.edu/dspace/bitstream/2445/66337/1/TFG%20Esteves%20Lorenzo%2C%20Sergi.pdf|title=Exili i evasions al Principat d'Andorra durant la Guerra Civil Espanyola i la Segona Guerra Mundial 1936–1945|first=Sergi Esteves|last=Lorenzo|publisher=University of Barcelona|access-date=1 July 2019}}</ref> with [[Andbank|Banc Agrícol]] (1930) and [[Crèdit Andorrà]] (1949), later with [[Mora Banc Grup|Banca Mora]] (1952), [[Banca Privada d'Andorra|Banca Cassany]] (1958) and SOBANCA (1960). Shortly after, activities such as skiing and shopping become a tourist attraction, with the inauguration of ski resorts and cultural entities in the late 1930s.<ref name="iec.cat1"/><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.elperiodic.ad/noticia/19718/petita-cronica-de-la-gran-passio-blanca|title=Petita crònica de la gran passió blanca|website=El Periòdic d'Andorra|date=19 December 2011 |access-date=22 January 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190506122055/https://www.elperiodic.ad/noticia/19718/petita-cronica-de-la-gran-passio-blanca|archive-date=6 May 2019}}</ref> All in all, a renovated hotel industry has developed. In April 1968 a social health insurance system was created ([[Caixa Andorrana de Seguretat Social|CASS]]).<ref>{{cite web|url=https://andorraguides.com/healthcare/system/|title=Andorra's Healthcare System|last=Andorra Guides|date=30 April 2018|website=Andorra Guides|access-date=22 January 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190506122053/https://andorraguides.com/healthcare/system/|archive-date=6 May 2019}}</ref>
[[File:Andorra - panoramio (2).jpg|thumb|Streets of the city centre of Andorra la Vella in 1986. From the same year until 1989 Andorra normalised the economic treaties with the [[European Economic Community|EEC]]<ref>{{cite news|url=https://elpais.com/diario/1989/12/18/economia/629938809_850215.html|title=La CE concluye un acuerdo de unión aduanera con Andorra|date=18 December 1989|newspaper=El País}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://elpais.com/diario/1986/09/27/internacional/528156020_850215.html|title=François Mitterrand alienta las reformas en Andorras|date=27 September 1986|newspaper=El País}}</ref>|alt=]]
[[File:Gilbert Saboya Sebastian Kurz (13927283877).jpg|thumb|right|Foreign Minister of Andorra [[Gilbert Saboya Sunye|Gilbert Saboya]] meeting Austrian foreign minister [[Sebastian Kurz]] at the [[Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe]] in 2014]]

The Andorran government necessarily involved planning, projection and forecasts for the future: with the official visit of the French co-prince [[Charles de Gaulle]] in 1967 and 1969, it was given approval for the economic boom and national demands within the framework of [[Human rights in Andorra|human rights]] and international openness.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.coprince-fr.ad/ca/charles-de-gaulle |date=October 23, 1967 |title=S.E. Charles de Gaulle|website=Representació del S.E. Copríncep Francès al Principat d'Andorra |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230207155141/https://www.coprince-fr.ad/ca/charles-de-gaulle |archive-date= Feb 7, 2023 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.elperiodic.ad/opinio/article/61705/el-coprincep-de-gaulle|author1=Antoni Pol |title= El copríncep De Gaulle |date=January 3, 2018 |website=El Periòdic d'Andorra|access-date=22 January 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190506122054/https://www.elperiodic.ad/opinio/article/61705/el-coprincep-de-gaulle|archive-date=6 May 2019}}</ref>

Andorra experienced an era commonly known as the "Andorran dream"<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.andorradifusio.ad/noticies/els-anys-50-linici-del-somni-andorra|title=Els anys 50, l'inici del somni andorrà |website=Andorra Difusió |date=December 29, 2017 |access-date=22 January 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190506122105/https://www.andorradifusio.ad/noticies/els-anys-50-linici-del-somni-andorra|archive-date=6 May 2019}}</ref> (similar to the [[American Dream]]) along with the [[Trente Glorieuses]]: the mass culture rooted the country experiencing radical changes in the economy and culture. Proof of this was [[Ràdio Andorra]], the top musical radio station in Europe in this period,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.elperiodic.ad/noticia/67199/sintonitzant-la-sobirania|title=Sintonitzant la sobirania|website=El Periòdic d'Andorra |author1=Mireia Aguilar |date=October 10, 2018 |access-date=22 January 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190506122102/https://www.elperiodic.ad/noticia/67199/sintonitzant-la-sobirania|archive-date=6 May 2019}}</ref> with guests and speakers of great importance promoting musical hits of [[chanson française]], [[Swing (dance)|swing]], [[rhythm & blues]], [[jazz]], [[rock and roll]] and [[Country music|American country music]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://diariomnipresente.com/aqui-radio-andorra-la-radio-que-divertia-a-los-europeos/|title=Aquí Radio Andorra, la radio que divertía a los europeos|first=Javi|last=Ruiz-Medrano|date=24 February 2015 |website=DiariOmnipresente |access-date=22 January 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190123071812/http://diariomnipresente.com/aqui-radio-andorra-la-radio-que-divertia-a-los-europeos/|archive-date=23 January 2019}}</ref> During this period Andorra achieved a GDP per capita and a life expectancy higher than the most standard countries of the current economy.<ref name="iec.cat1"/><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.diariandorra.ad/noticies/opinio/2016/09/26/la_reinvencio_andorra_encert_estrategic_107124_1129.html|title=La reinvenció d'Andorra: un encert estratègic|first=Gonzalo|last=Bernardos|date=26 September 2016|website=Diari d'Andorra|access-date=22 January 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190123121306/https://www.diariandorra.ad/noticies/opinio/2016/09/26/la_reinvencio_andorra_encert_estrategic_107124_1129.html|archive-date=23 January 2019}}</ref>

Given its relative isolation, Andorra has existed outside the mainstream of European history, with few ties to countries other than France, Spain and [[Portugal]]. But in recent times its thriving tourist industry, along with developments in transport and communications, have removed the country from its isolation. Since 1976 the country has seen the need to reform Andorran institutions due to anachronisms in sovereignty, human rights and the balance of powers as well as the need to adapt legislation to modern demands. In 1982 a first separation of powers took place when instituting the Govern d'Andorra, under the name of the executive board (Consell Executiu), chaired by the first prime minister [[Òscar Ribas Reig]] with the co-princes' approval.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.elnacional.cat/ca/efemerides/marc-pons-andorra-primer-cap-govern_227061_102.html|title=Andorra tria el primer cap de govern de la seva història|website=ElNacional.cat |author1= Marc Pons |date=2018 |access-date=1 March 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190506122057/https://www.elnacional.cat/ca/efemerides/marc-pons-andorra-primer-cap-govern_227061_102.html|archive-date=6 May 2019}}</ref> In 1989 the Principality signed an agreement with the [[European Economic Community]] to regularise trade relations.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX:21990A1231(02)|id= 21990A1231(02) |title=Agreement in the form of an Exchange of Letters between the European Economic Community and the Principality of Andorra - Agreement between the European Economic Community and the Principality of Andorra - Joint Declarations |language=EN |website=EUR-Lex |date=28 June 1990 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231219041223/https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX%3A21990A1231(02) |archive-date= Dec 19, 2023 }}</ref>

Its political system was modernised in 1993 after the [[Andorran constitutional referendum, 1993|Andorran constitutional referendum]], when the [[Constitution of Andorra|constitution]] was drafted by the co-princes and the General Council and approved on 14 March<ref name=NS>[[Dieter Nohlen|Nohlen, D.]] & Stöver, P. (2010) ''Elections in Europe: A data handbook'', p. 160 {{ISBN|978-3-8329-5609-7}}</ref> by 74.2% of voters, with a 76% turnout.<ref>Nohlen & Stöver, p. 162</ref> The [[Andorran parliamentary election, 1993|first elections]] under the new constitution were held later in the year.<ref name=NS/> The same year, Andorra became a member of the United Nations and the [[Council of Europe]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.exteriors.ad/es/asuntos-multilaterales-y-cooperaciin/andorra-y-los-organismos-internacionales|title=Andorra y los organismos internacionales|website=Exteriors.ad}}</ref>

Andorra formalised diplomatic relations with the United States in 1996, participating in the 51st [[UN General Assembly]]. First General Syndic [[Marc Forné Molné|Marc Forné]] took part in a speech in Catalan in the General Assembly to defend the reform of the organisation, and after three days he took part in the [[Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe]] to defend Andorra's linguistic rights and economy.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://elpais.com/diario/1996/07/26/internacional/838332014_850215.html|title=Entrevista – 'Andorra no quiere ser un lugar donde se recoja dinero negro'|date=26 July 1996|newspaper=El País}}</ref> In 2006 a monetary agreement with the European Union was formalised that allows Andorra to use the [[euro]] officially, as well as minting its own euro coins.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/ES/TXT/PDF/?uri=CELEX:32004D0548&from=EN|title=DECISIÓN DEL CONSEJO de 11 de mayo de 2004 relativa a la posición que debe adoptar la Comunidad en relación con un acuerdo sobre las relaciones monetarias con el Principado de Andorra|website=Eur-lex.europa.eu|access-date=26 March 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://eur-lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/LexUriServ.do?uri=OJ:C:2011:369:0001:0013:ES:PDF|title=COMUNICACIONES PROCEDENTES DE LAS INSTITUCIONES, ÓRGANOS Y ORGANISMOS DE LA UNIÓN EUROPEA COMISIÓN EUROPEA|website=Eur-lex.europa.eu|access-date=26 March 2019}}</ref>