Andorra Approves Aid Decrees for Pas de la Casa Businesses Hit by French RN-20 Closure

Andorra's government has approved two decrees providing financial aid to Pas de la Casa businesses and self-employed workers impacted by the RN-20 closure in France since January 31, with extraordinary BOPA publication on Thursday and immediate effect from Friday.

The measures cover retailers, wholesalers, vehicle repair shops, hospitality venues, administrative services, and related firms, including those with direct economic ties to the area. Businesses facing sales drops of 25-50% compared to the same period last year can receive aid covering 50% of their CASS employer contributions; losses over 50% qualify for 100% coverage. Self-employed workers qualify under equivalent terms, based on proportional contributions they would pay as salaried employees, with monthly applications after payment or a single request upon road reopening. Aid is repayable if 2026 operating margins exceed those of 2025, ensuring public fund oversight.

Micro-enterprises with three or fewer employees and under €200,000 annual turnover can access monthly repayable advances up to €5,000 to offset negative cash flow from income-expense shortfalls, due within six months of reopening. Further support includes IGI payment deferrals or installments, €200 per extended round-trip for goods and passenger transporters (retroactive from February 14 for routes over 200km longer than usual), and FEDA electricity bill discounts of 25-50% on energy charges for losses of 25-50% or more, applicable from February 1 via Sercensa.

Minister Spokesperson Guillem Casal described the package as an urgent response to sustain economic continuity amid this "temporary and localized" issue, unlike the pandemic's nationwide halt. He reiterated opposition to ERTO temporary layoffs, citing high logistical costs and detour access allowing operations to continue.

State Secretary for Transport David Forné reported public transport measures are easing border entry declines. Vehicle entries reached a low of 500 on February 14, with 2,721 over that weekend—a 70% drop from 2025. Post-fuel voucher rollout, February 20-23 saw 6,544 entries, down 45-50%. Vouchers (€30 each) totaled 1,215 by Wednesday (€35,000-€36,450). The free Pas de la Casa-L'Hospitalet shuttle now averages 220-330 daily passengers in peak hours, exceeding 2,000 users since February 7 upgrades, with a new 16:00 round-trip added daily to align with trains. Line L4 to Pas de la Casa gains services at 8:00 and 16:40 from March 9.

The Tobacco Retailers' Union (UCAT) reported 70-80% sales falls at a Thursday meeting, calling aid insufficient despite good weekend weather. President Raül Calvo highlighted no uptick from southern France or Cerdanya, five-hour detours diverting shoppers to Vielha or La Jonquera, and rising fixed costs. UCAT now deems ERTOs essential alongside rent relief, planning a multi-sector meeting Tuesday to tally damages and demand action. Pas de la Casa represents 25% of national retail and 65% of tobacco sales across 80 outlets employing 300.

Ongoing works address RN-20 landslide analysis, rockfall prevention, and repairs, with the three-month reopening timeline unchanged; improved weather aids progress. Rail between Foix and Ax-les-Thermes remains disrupted by embankment subsidence from recent storms, requiring multi-leg journeys. La Poste trips from Saint-Jean-de-Verges now take 4.5 hours versus two, running three days weekly. Forné urged Franco-Andorran infrastructure talks, including RN-20 and rail upgrades. MoraBanc's 10% Pas card cashback up to €1,000 per person continues. Encamp hotels hold steady via Spanish routes amid 60-80% commerce drops.