The municipality of La Jonquera has pioneered a new model for urban regeneration in Catalonia, giving unanimous approval for the creation of the region’s first-ever Urban Economic Promotion Area (APEU). The landmark initiative, located in the border neighbourhood of El Pertús, aims to revitalise the area into a premier open-air shopping destination with a distinct cross-border identity.
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The council gave final approval at a municipal plenary session on 30 January 2026. This marked a significant milestone for a project backed by the overwhelming majority of local businesses. Consequently, La Jonquera became the first municipality in Catalonia to implement the APEU framework. This public-private partnership model is designed to boost and modernise specific commercial zones.
A New Model for Urban Revival
The APEU concept originates from Law 15/2020, which the Parliament of Catalonia passed in December 2020. This law enables the creation of legally constituted, non-profit entities. Private stakeholders, such as property owners and business associations, collaboratively manage these entities with the local council. These bodies then develop a joint strategy and budget to improve public services, enhance the urban landscape, and execute promotional campaigns for their designated area.
In a statement, the Ajuntament de La Jonquera outlined its vision. The council explained, “The objective is to turn El Pertús into a unique, attractive, and benchmark open-air shopping centre in the cross-border area.” The plan specifically focuses on modernising infrastructure, improving accessibility, and creating a cohesive brand identity for this bustling commercial district, which sits directly on the frontier between Spain and France.
Strong Local Mandate
The initiative’s progression depended on securing a solid mandate from the commercial community it serves. To achieve this, a formal voting process took place among the 129 registered local businesses in the El Pertús area. The results demonstrated decisive support, with representatives from 75 businesses participating in the ballot.
Figures the council released on its official project page showed the proposal received 93.5 out of a possible 97.5 votes in favour. This clear endorsement paved the way for the council’s unanimous approval. Such robust backing is critical for the long-term success of the public-private management model.
A Strategic Move for a Border Town
El Pertús forms part of a unique cross-border town, shared with its French counterpart, Le Perthus. This makes it a strategic commercial hub, attracting shoppers from both sides of the border. The APEU aims to leverage this unique geographical position, thus enhancing its appeal and competitiveness against larger, out-of-town shopping centres.
This project represents a significant effort to redefine La Jonquera’s image. The town serves as a vital logistics and transport nexus for Europe. Although a thriving commercial centre, the border crossing also frequently features in news reports concerning law enforcement activities. Recent incidents, for example, have included a police dog uncovering 15kg of hashish on a bus and a major methamphetamine seizure of 26kg. Therefore, by investing in the APEU, the local community and council are proactively shaping a more positive and prosperous future. They aim to focus on economic development and create a more attractive environment for residents and visitors alike.
With its implementation, the El Pertús APEU will now serve as a test case for other towns and cities across Catalonia looking to adopt similar models for revitalising their own commercial districts.
