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.