The Consell General approved the Qualified Bill for the modification of the Penal Code during the session held on July 14 and 15, 2026. The application of its provisions will depend on the final legal text and what it establishes regarding its entry into force.
Key data
- The parliamentary session was held on July 14 and 15, 2026.
- The full text of the penal reform was approved with 24 votes in favor.
- Article 117 was approved with 17 votes in favor and 8 against.
- The reservation to amend that article was rejected with 3 votes in favor, 17 against and 4 abstentions.
- The temporary measures on hydrocarbons came into effect on July 15, 2026.
What has the Consell General approved regarding the Penal Code?
The Consell General approved the draft law amending the Andorran Penal Code during a two-day session. The first part took place on the afternoon of Tuesday, July 14, and the session resumed on Wednesday, July 15, to address items 6 and 7 of the agenda.
According to official information, the reform responds to internal requirements for legal certainty and international commitments stemming from conventions to which Andorra is a party. The information published about the session does not detail each specific amendment to the Penal Code.
The answer to a common question is this: the draft amendment was approved by the Consell General. To find out when and how its provisions apply, you must consult the final legal text and its publication in the Official Gazette of the Principality of Andorra.
How did the vote on the Andorran penal reform go?
The debate had one important peculiarity: the amendment proposed by the Social Democratic Parliamentary Group regarding Article 117 was voted on separately before the rest of the bill was voted on. This amendment sought to modify the provision concerning consensual abortion.
The reservation was rejected with 3 votes in favor, 17 against, and 4 abstentions. The three votes in favor came from the Social Democratic Parliamentary Group; the 17 votes against came from the Democratic, Andorra Adelante, and Committed Citizens groups; and the four abstentions came from the Concordia group.
Article 117 itself was then voted on, passing with 17 votes in favor and 8 against. The difference between the result of the reservation and that of the article is explained by the fact that they were separate votes: one referred to the proposed amendment and the other to the text of the bill.
The remaining articles, provisions, annexes, index, preamble, and title were approved with 25 votes in favor from all parliamentary groups. Finally, the vote on the complete text resulted in 24 votes in favor.
What does the reform establish regarding article 117 and consensual abortion?
Article 117 of the bill refers to consensual abortion. The official source confirms that the amendment proposed by the Social Democratic Parliamentary Group was rejected and that the article was approved as part of the amendment to the Penal Code.
The parliamentary report does not reproduce the full wording of the article nor does it explain its detailed legal effects. Therefore, it is not possible to attribute specific changes to it based on the available information. To understand the exact scope, it is necessary to consult the officially published legal text and, when necessary, seek legal advice.
Criminal matters and fundamental rights require individualized analysis. Personal circumstances, the date of the events, and the version of the applicable law can all alter the legal consequences of a case.
Why is the Andorran Penal Code being amended in 2026?
The stated reason is twofold. On the one hand, Andorra seeks to strengthen internal legal certainty. On the other, the reform responds to international commitments undertaken through agreements to which the Principality is a party.
The information published about this session does not specify which articles correspond to each international obligation. A news report about the bill's approval does not replace the final text of the law.
For foreign residents, businesses, investors, and professionals, the reform may be relevant if the final text modifies the obligations or responsibilities applicable to their activities. Any review of contracts, internal protocols, or compliance controls must be based on the published regulation.
The amendment to the Penal Code was approved along with other initiatives discussed in the same session. Each project has its own specific content and implementation schedule.
Other laws passed in the same parliamentary session
The agenda included several initiatives in addition to the amendment to the Penal Code. These are the main decisions outlined in the official statement:
- Hydrocarbons: A draft of temporary measures to reduce the impact of rising prices was approved by acclamation. It includes a partial refund of the excise duty on this matter, and the measures came into effect on July 15, 2026.
- Penitentiary Center: An extraordinary credit was approved to purchase a plot of land on the Serrat Blanc estate and expand the center's facilities with a mental health module.
- Andorra and Austria: The agreement aimed at eliminating double taxation on income and wealth, as well as preventing tax evasion and avoidance, was ratified.
- Money laundering: Andorra acceded to the Council of Europe Convention done at Warsaw on 16 May 2005, on the discovery, seizure and confiscation of proceeds of crime and the financing of terrorism.
- Inactive companies: An administrative dissolution procedure without liquidation was approved for commercial companies that do not carry out a real operational activity.
- Prison and penal regulations: A qualified bill amending several rules in the prison and criminal field was also debated and approved.
What does this mean for residents, businesses, and foreign investors?
The approval of the bill does not, in itself, imply that tax residency regulations or immigration, investment, or business formation procedures have changed. Those preparing to arrive in the country should consult the specific regulations applicable to their situation.
For an already operational company, the review of contracts, powers of attorney, internal protocols and controls over third parties will have to be done when the published text and its effective date are known.
The approved procedure for inactive companies may be relevant for those who maintain structures with no real activity. According to official information, its objective is to prevent shell companies from unduly benefiting from the appearance of seriousness and solvency provided by their registration in the Companies Registry.
The news report does not detail any specific new obligations arising from adherence to the international convention against money laundering for each type of company. Any decision must be based on the applicable law and the company's specific circumstances.
New residents and foreign entrepreneurs can consult the Institutional information from the General Council and seek professional advice before signing contracts or reorganizing a company.
What steps remain after the approval of the Penal Code?
The session information confirms the parliamentary approval of the bill, but does not, by itself, indicate the date on which all its provisions will take effect. To find that date, you must consult the final text and its concluding provisions.
It will also be necessary to review whether the law establishes a specific date, an adaptation period, or rules for procedures initiated before its entry into force.
Therefore, the answer to the question “when does the amendment to the Penal Code come into effect?” is: on the date established by the officially published legal text. The parliamentary approval of July 15, 2026, does not, in itself, allow for setting an application date.
Conclusion: a relevant reform for the legal framework of Andorra
The Consell General approved the modification of the Penal Code during the session of July 14 and 15, 2026. Article 117, relating to consensual abortion, was debated separately: the reservation of amendment was rejected and the article was approved along with the rest of the project.
The stated aim is to strengthen legal certainty and align legislation with international commitments. The actual impact on residents, businesses, and investors will depend on the final text, its publication, and the date it comes into effect.
Living, investing or starting a business in Andorra requires consulting the applicable regulations, as well as taking into account parliamentary votes. Contact Andorra Insiders to analyze how legal developments may affect your situation and receive up-to-date professional guidance.
Frequent questions
When did Andorra approve the amendment to the Penal Code?
The project was approved during the session of the Consell General held on July 14 and 15, 2026. The vote on the full text obtained 24 votes in favor.
What happened to Article 117 of the Andorran Penal Code?
Article 117, concerning consensual abortion, was approved with 17 votes in favor and 8 against. The amendment proposed by the Social Democratic Parliamentary Group was rejected with 3 votes in favor, 17 against, and 4 abstentions.
Why has the Andorran Penal Code been modified?
According to information from the Consell General, the reform responds to legal security requirements and international commitments derived from agreements to which Andorra is a party.
Is the reform of the Penal Code already in effect?
The date should be consulted in the officially published text and its final provisions. Parliamentary approval does not necessarily imply immediate implementation.
Does the reform affect foreigners living in Andorra?
Andorran criminal law can affect any person or company subject to the country's legislation, but the specific impact depends on each situation. Foreign residents and business owners should review the current regulations with legal advice.
Sources
- General Council of AndorraOfficial information from the parliamentary session of July 14 and 15, 2026.
- Official Gazette of the Principality of Andorra, to consult the official publication and the entry into force of the final text.
