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

Andorra's government approved two decrees on Wednesday to provide aid for Pas de la Casa businesses and self-employed workers affected by the ongoing RN-20 closure in France, with extraordinary BOPA publication on Thursday and immediate effect from Friday. The package targets retailers, wholesalers, vehicle repair shops, hospitality outlets, administrative services, and related operations, offering coverage of up to 100% of employer CASS contributions for losses exceeding 50% compared to the prior year, or 50% for 25-50% drops. Self-employed workers qualify on similar terms, with monthly applications or a single request after reopening; aid must be repaid if 2026 margins surpass 2025 levels.

Micro-enterprises with three or fewer staff and under €200,000 annual turnover can secure monthly repayable advances up to €5,000 to cover negative cash flow. Additional measures include IGI payment deferrals or installments, €200 per extended haulage round trip for goods and passenger carriers (retroactive from February 14 for routes over 200km longer than usual), and FEDA electricity discounts of 25-50% on energy charges based on losses, available from February 1 through Sercensa offices.

Minister Spokesperson Guillem Casal called the support urgent and focused on preserving economic activity during this "temporary and localized" disruption, distinct from the pandemic's full shutdown. He dismissed ERTO temporary layoffs as impractical given detour access.

On Thursday morning, the Tobacco Retailers' Union (UCAT) held an open meeting in Pas de la Casa, attended by most local members and other shop owners. Participants reported sales drops of 70-80% overall, nearing 80% in tobacco, describing the situation as "catastrophic" and worse than initially expected. UCAT President Raül Calvo criticized government measures as having "null impact," even during last weekend's first good weather of winter—clear skies, no snow or wind—despite fuel vouchers. He noted no uptick from southern France or Cerdanya visitors, with detours exceeding five hours, and highlighted shoppers diverting to Vielha or La Jonquera.

Calvo expressed frustration over feeling "unheard" and "overlooked" in economic consultations, alongside distrust in the three-month RN-20 reopening timeline. He warned current aid will soon prove insufficient for fixed costs like wages and rents, insisting "the government cannot evade this responsibility" to protect workers. UCAT now views ERTOs as "absolutely necessary," alongside rent relief, and plans a broader retail sector meeting next Tuesday to quantify damages with data and present structured demands.

Pas de la Casa accounts for about 25% of national retail sales and 65% of tobacco volume across roughly 80 licensed outlets employing 300 workers. Last year, Encamp parish saw €370 million (18%) of Andorra's €1.994 billion card transactions, mostly in the village. Head of Government Xavier Espot described a "major impact" with 60-80% commerce declines, though hotels remain resilient via Spanish routes. Detours add up to 2.5 hours from Toulouse, affecting daily cross-border shopping, electronics, skiing, tourism, tobacco, and fuel.

Fuel vouchers (€30 each) totaled 1,215 by Wednesday afternoon (€35,000-€36,450), with 680 issued by Monday evening. Weekend entries February 20-23 reached 6,544 vehicles, down 45-50% from normal—improved from 70-75% drops earlier. Shuttles to L'Hospitalet averaged 220-225 daily passengers, surpassing 2,000 total since February 7 upgrades. MoraBanc offers 10% cashback on Pas card purchases up to €1,000 per person. State Secretary David Forné called for Franco-Andorran talks on RN-20 upgrades, rail extensions, or similar infrastructure. La Poste delays continue.