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Exceptional measures

An overview of the legal measures adopted

The need to respond rapidly to the Covid-19 crisis has led to the adoption of emergency measures, at both a French and European level. Here is a roundup of those which deviate most significantly from common law.

The measures adopted are both measures allowing exceptions to the main principles of European and French law, as well as emergency or more structural measures designed to support the economy and contain the crisis. Here we provide you with a comprehensive overview.

The key adjustments to European Union law

The European Union has long been the policeman of the economy. Even in times of crisis, it would have been impossible for an EU Member State to take measures incompatible with European rules or with authorised adjustments. That is why the European Union has an important role in calibrating national action plans. The positions published to date particularly relate to:

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Covid-19 – restrictions on the free movement of goods

Covid-19 – restrictions on the free movement of people

State aid in response to the Covid-19 crisis

Economic support measures

It is no secret that the lockdown and the health crisis will have major economic consequences. To avoid companies collapsing like dominoes, especially the most vulnerable already facing cash-flow problems, the government has adopted a three-pronged response, encompassing tax, employment law and direct support for companies.

Employment law measures

Tax measures

Financing and restructuring

Covid-19 – french measures to support the start-ups

Exceptional economic emergency measures due to Covid-19

 

Authoritarian measures

Responding to the health crisis may require measures to be taken that would be contrary to basic democratic principles in normal times. However, these can be justified by the urgency of the situation, provided they comply with a certain framework.

 

Covid-19: Requisition regime for respiratory masks

  

 

The adaptation into French law of certain legal fields in response to the crisis

The vast majority of legal fields require adaptation, at least temporarily, in order to tackle the crisis. These particularly include:

Real estate and leases

Contracts

Corporate law

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Public action and regulation

  

Procedural adjustments

Administrative and judicial functions have been hindered by the lockdown measures. What plans are there to resolve or address this?

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Dispute resolution

  

Report: impacts of Covid-19 (Coronavirus)

Our law firm offers you its legal assistance to address all the impacts of covid-19 (Coronavirus) on your business. Read our dedicated report below.

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