All publications by Pauline Kubat

The Emergency Law to deal with the Covid-19 epidemic empowers the Government to take, by means of Ordinances, the adaptation measures intended to put in place health emergency arrangements.

As a result, the Government adopted 25 Ordinances on March 25, 2020. In judicial matters, several Ordinances were issued to govern the organization of courts and procedures during this crisis.

Regarding specifically the rules of civil procedure, two Ordinances have been adopted and have a significant impact on (i) applicable time-limits and the conduct of civil proceedings, and (ii) the organization/operation of courts ruling in non-criminal matters.

For several days now, the French have been observing a strict confinement following presidential and governmental instructions to stem the spread of the Covid-19 virus. There are many concerns and uncertainties remaining as to the outcome of this international crisis.

What is the impact of this situation on the French judicial life? Here is an update on the measures taken and envisaged with regard to civil proceedings.

After the agreements between the European Union and Canada and Japan, it is now the turn of the European Union – Singapore free trade agreement to enter into force. This agreement – the first free trade agreement between the European Union and a Member State of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations – marks a further step towards the European Union’s external trade openness.