Ars Boni

In this edition Nikolaus Forgó speaks with Prof. Dr. Christiane Wendehorst who is, inter alia, head of the European Law Institute, about principles of good regulations in times of Corona. (in German)

In this engaging discussion, Joe Cannataci, UN Special Rapporteur for the right to privacy and professor, dives into the complexities of data protection during the COVID-19 pandemic. He highlights the tension between privacy rights and public health, criticizing politicians for their often superficial responses. Cannataci emphasizes the need for evidence-based policies and strategic diplomatic engagement with influential nations. He also warns about the risks of unregulated contact tracing technologies post-COVID, seeking stronger governance to protect human rights.

Emily Johnson, a research assistant at the University of Vienna with expertise in data protection and intellectual property law, shares insights on the legal repercussions of COVID-19 in the UK. She discusses the intersection of Brexit and pandemic challenges, highlighting political tensions. The inconsistent mask policies and healthcare struggles faced by professionals are examined, alongside the adaptation to online learning. They also confront the debate over surveillance and civil liberties, alongside media critiques of government responses.

Ziga Skoyans, a Slovenian lawyer specializing in data economy and financial technology, dives into Slovenia's unique pandemic journey. He discusses the country's stable COVID-19 situation compared to Austria, exploring the impact on education and remote learning. Ziga delves into public transport challenges, highlighting government measures and legal frameworks during the crisis. He also uncovers the unusual cooperation within parliament for economic stimulus and examines the societal implications of restrictive measures, emphasizing the need for clearer EU-wide guidelines.

Niko Härting, a distinguished Honorarprofessor specializing in IT law, shares insights into Germany's legal landscape during the COVID-19 crisis. He discusses the tensions between public health measures and constitutional rights, probing recent court rulings affecting civil liberties. Härting also examines how perceptions of government responses are shifting and the implications of contact tracing technologies, balancing privacy concerns with effectiveness. Finally, he highlights the need for democratic principles amid rising right-wing sentiments in Germany and Austria.

Katharina Polykonopoulos, an American lawyer specializing in IT and IP law, dives into the legal ramifications of COVID-19 in the U.S. She contrasts the decisive measures of Austria with the slower U.S. response and discusses varying compliance among citizens. The podcast examines healthcare system inefficiencies, explores the intersection of technology and privacy through contact tracing, and reflects on regional disparities in America's response. Additionally, it highlights legal challenges faced by the U.S. economy during the pandemic.

Friedrich Rüffler, a distinguished Professor of law specializing in corporate and company law, dissects the profound impacts of COVID-19 on business regulations in Austria. He addresses the critical challenges faced by companies, emphasizing government support and timely legal counsel for insolvency. Rüffler explores the balance of corporate governance and management accountability during a crisis, while also discussing the shift to virtual meetings and its implications for decision-making. His insights highlight the ongoing evolution of legal practices in response to the pandemic.

Antoni Napojalski, a seasoned expert on Polish law, shares his insights into the legal landscape shaped by the COVID-19 pandemic in Poland. He discusses the stringent regulations that impacted daily life and the confusion surrounding them. Napojalski dives into the contentious legal challenges faced during the presidential elections, the implications of emergency measures, and the controversies surrounding a government-mandated contact tracing app. He also addresses the pressures on Poland's judiciary and public trust concerns amidst ongoing restrictions.

Franz Merli, a professor of European constitutional law at the University of Vienna, shares his insights on the legal complexities arising from the COVID-19 pandemic. He discusses the balance between individual rights and public health, exploring the legitimacy of emergency measures and the role of parliamentary oversight. The conversation delves into the impact of government communication, the importance of transparency in crises, and the ethical dilemmas involving public health policies. Merli emphasizes the necessity of judicial challenges to protect personal freedoms.

Mariana Resetto, a legal expert from Argentina, dives deep into the legal implications of COVID-19 in her country. She discusses the government's decision-making during this health crisis and the constitutional debates surrounding emergency powers. Resetto highlights the challenges faced in education, particularly the switch to e-learning and resource inequalities. The conversation also addresses concerns over privacy and the concentration of power during the pandemic, emphasizing the need for democratic controls and citizen engagement.