“The aim is to give [public safety authorities] the means to respond to a terrorist threat while guaranteeing the rights of citizens,” according to a Chamber of Deputies statement on 14 June.

Among the powers given to authorities in the event of a terrorist threat or threat against state security:

• Monitoring and retention of electronic communications, including accessing computer files without informing the person concerned. Doctors, lawyers and journalists will be exempt from this provision of the law.
• Investigating magistrates can, under certain circumstances, extend the time that suspects are held in custody without charge from 24 to 48 hours.
• The right to execute search warrants at night (currently this must be done between 6:30am and 8pm).
• The power to compel telecommunications operators to identify their customers.

Bill 6921 passed by a 58 to 2 vote, with déi Lénk MPs voting against. Green party MP Viviane Loschetter was the bill’s rapporteur.