Country-specific updates
AUSTRIA
E-Commerce als Rettungsanker in der Krise
Die durch das Auftreten des Coronavirus ausgelöste Krise hat
viele Unternehmer dazu gezwungen, ihre bisher "offline"
angebotenen Waren und Dienstleistungen nun auch "online"
zu vertreiben. Gerade die Betretungsverbote im Handel und bei
Restaurants haben den Einsatz von E-Commerce Lösungen auch
für Unternehmen notwendig gemacht, die diesen Vertriebskanal
bisher nicht genutzt haben. Während Restaurants leicht(er)
bestehende Plattformen nutzen können, stehen andere
Unternehmen vor der Entscheidung, eine Webshop-Lösung auf der
eigenen Homepage einzubauen. Hier weiterlesen.
COVID-19 and investment protection
As the world grapples with COVID-19, we are seeing some of the most
unprecedented State measures of our time. Measures causing severe
financial damage to many businesses and industries. Where does that
leave foreign investors? Will they be able to claim compensation?
Read more here.
This should be considered when reopening your
business
Are you allowed to open your shop now? You may open your shop if it
falls under one of the factual exceptions of Section 2 (1) of
Ordinance BGBl II 96/2020 ("shops for the satisfaction of
daily needs"). Read more here.
BULGARIA
State aid in the age of COVID-19
During the COVID-19 outbreak businesses are facing the dilemma of
whether to seek state aid or survive the crisis using their own
resources. Every company should assess if meeting certain criteria
for state aid is justifiable financially and in terms of timing.
The state has the tool while the business has the option to use it.
Read more here.
Working remotely during the COVID-19 crisis - Is the
risk for your trade secrets remote?
As the COVID-19 pandemic has rapidly spread across Europe, more and
more companies have been forced to implement remote working
arrangements for their employees. Logistical difficulties aside,
businesses are now facing very real risks associated with
information leaks due to human error, use of vulnerable equipment
or software, or deliberate external misappropriation of sensitive
data (both of the employer and its contractual counterparties).
Read more here.
CZECH REPUBLIC
LEX COVID and changes to corporate law
The Czech Republic remains among the countries in which daily life
has been considerably disrupted not only by the occurrence of
COVID-19, but in particular by the crisis measures adopted by
public authorities to prevent the further spread of the disease.
Read more here.
Draft Act on Prohibition of Commercial Lease
Termination
The Czech Parliament is set to pass a new act prohibiting landlords
from terminating commercial leases if tenants fail to pay rent (the
"Act"). The draft Act deals with rent falling due between
12 March and 30 June 2020 (the "Critical Period"). Read
more here.
EUROPEAN UNION
EU Level Covid-19 support measures in banking and
capital markets
CRII aims to swiftly direct EUR 37 billion of cohesion policy funds
to strengthen healthcare systems, support SMEs, short-term
employment schemes and community-based services. Read more here.
POLAND
COVID-19 vs. lease agreements not covered by the
governmental aid programme
The coronavirus pandemic is having a significant impact on all
sectors of the economy. Many businesses are facing unexpected
challenges and it is no different with commercial real estate
leases. Read more here.
SLOVENIA
COVID-19 and breach of contract - debtors beware of
foreseeability element
The COVID-19 pandemic is causing disruption throughout the
commercial sector. Stakeholders are forced to shift their focus to
mitigating the impact on the supply chain, customer relations,
workforce, leases and more broadly business in general. Read more
here.
The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstances.