Grand Ducal Regulation of 18 March 2020 introducing a series of measures in the context of the fight against COVID-19

The Grand Ducal Regulation of 18 March introducing a series of measures in the context of the fight against COVID-19 was published in the official journal of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg and has thus entered into effect on this day. As a consequence, the state of crisis has been declared on the national territory, in accordance with article 32(4) of the Constitution.

The Grand Ducal Regulation can be read here (in French): http://www.legilux.lu/eli/etat/leg/rgd/2020/03/18/a165/jo

The declaration of the state of crisis is an extraordinary decision which gives the Government the possibility to set up emergency measures in order to face the crisis. Thus, a regulatory and legal framework is established, in line with the Luxembourg Constitution: the scope covered by this Article is limited to measures which cannot be taken in good time through the normal legislative procedure.

The Chamber of Deputies can, at every moment, suspend or revoke the state of crisis: Parliamentary control is this fully guaranteed. In accordance with Article 32(4) of the Constitution, the extension of the state of crisis beyond ten days can only be decided by law by the Chamber of Deputies, by a two-thirds majority. The Chamber determines the duration of the state of crisis, which may not exceed a maximum of three months.

Press release by the Ministry of State