The goal: to strengthen local commerce
In 2026, Barcelona was recognized as the first European Capital of Local Commerce in the “Visionary” category (cities with more than 250,000 residents). This recognition, promoted by the European Union at the proposal of the Barcelona Comercio Foundation and Vitrinas de Europa, honors cities that serve as models for supporting small businesses, fostering innovation in the sector, and contributing to urban life.
Why Barcelona?
The selection committee recognized the city’s priority of strengthening its own model of sustainable, innovative, and resilient local commerce, acknowledging it as an essential driver of the city’s economic, social, and urban development. The jury recognized a nomination that stands out primarily for the strength of a retail sector present in every neighborhood of the city—one that is dynamic and capable of combining tradition and innovation, with the aim of fostering the city’s economic development and contributing to social cohesion and the urban fabric of Barcelona.
City-wide bid, sector-wide bid
The bid stems from a joint strategy with these businesses, markets, trade associations, and organizations, aligned with major municipal plans and underpinned by a well-established public-private partnership. It has received broad support from the city’s entire commercial and institutional ecosystem. Barcelona Comerç, Barcelona Oberta, Foment Comerç, the Council of Trade, Services, and Tourism Guilds, PIMEC and PIMEC Comerç, Comertia, the Federation of Municipal Markets of Barcelona (FEMM), and the Association of Shopkeepers and Merchants of Catalonia are all participating jointly. Support also comes from the Barcelona Metropolitan Area (CON), the Barcelona Provincial Council, the Government of Catalonia, and all municipal groups represented on the City Council.
Local commerce takes center stage.
Barcelona views the European Capital of Local Commerce as a turning point that will enable:
-The strengthening of commerce: raising the profile of the city’s local commerce model and highlighting its value; providing funding to businesses and encouraging local consumption; and improving competitiveness by promoting talent and innovation in local businesses.
-Enhance its international standing: by placing it on the European and international agenda, thereby strengthening its profile, visibility, and positioning.
-Highlight the role of commerce as a force for social cohesion and a key element of the city’s identity: recognizing commerce as a driving force in city life, both in terms of fostering human connections and in bringing vitality to the city’s streets.
DATA GRAPHICS:
+60,000 businesses
152,000 people employed,
90.9% of active businesses,
13.2% of Barcelona’s GDP
