La Jonquera launches Catalonia's first Urban Economic Promotion Area

The El Portús Shopping Village project aims to revitalize the border trade zone with a 742,500 euro investment.

Generic image of an outdoor commercial street with shops and pedestrian areas.
IA

Generic image of an outdoor commercial street with shops and pedestrian areas.

The La Jonquera Town Council has officially approved the creation of Catalonia's first Urban Economic Promotion Area (APEU) in the El Pertús district this February 2026.

Named El Portús Shopping Village, the project is a public-private partnership involving 129 local merchants. The initiative received overwhelming support, with 97.5% of business owners voting in favor of establishing this new legal entity to manage the commercial area.

"The goal is to build a unique, attractive, and reference open-air shopping center in the cross-border area."

Lluïsa Macias · Economic Promotion Councilor of La Jonquera
The APEU has a five-year roadmap and a budget of 742,500 euros. These funds will be used to enhance the shopping environment, improve accessibility, and boost marketing efforts. The legal registration process is expected to be finalized within the next three months.