A BDO Legal guide to the impact on commercial leases in Europe

In an attempt to slow the spread of the COVID-19 virus many countries have entered a state of lockdown with full prohibition or limitations on retail activities, with temporary closures of shops, bars, restaurants, and non-essential retail businesses, in order to avoid public gatherings. These measures are impacting the retail
sector directly, which encompasses thousands of commercial leases throughout the world.

This brochure summarises some of the most relevant legal measures adopted by some major European countries in response to the impact of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic on the retail market, as
of July 2020.

This brochure is intended to be a useful guide for international retail companies to determine their strategy with regard to commercial leases in the different countries in which they operate.

BDO Legal’s local real estate lawyers can assist retailers in the negotiation or termination of their commercial leases, coordinating any legal actions required in any country through one single point of contact.