Silandro, Caldas da Rainha, and Barcelona have been designated as the 2026 European Capitals of Small Retail, recognizing cities excelling in supporting small retailers through sustainability, entrepreneurship, digitalisation, and urban vitality. The award highlights their programs to foster vibrant city centres and local economies. Nine finalists will engage in an exchange program to share best practices. Stéphane Séjourné, EU Executive Vice-President, emphasized small retail’s role in community and economic resilience. The initiative, proposed by the European Parliament following a citizens’ petition, aims to elevate small retailers as anchors of local income and cultural identity. Winners and finalists represent 13 countries, showcasing diverse strategies to sustain small business ecosystems.
© European Union Adapted from https://www.europa.eu , licensed under CC BY‑4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ ).
https://single-market-economy.ec.europa.eu/news/silandro-caldas-da-rainha-and-barcelona-named-2026-european-capitals-small-retail-2026-01-29_en
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