Italian Legislation in Times of Pandemics and International Law: Exceptionalism, Balancing and Compliance

Abstract

Abstract This inquiry collects the legislative measures that Italy enacted throughout the course of the pandemic in connection with international law obligations, i.e. either by enforcing, derogating or breaching international law. In this respect, the objective of the analysis is twofold. On the one hand, it is aimed at outlining Italy’s attitude vis-à-vis international law and what role the latter legal system has played within the context of the crisis. On the other hand, it intends to offer a survey tool for comparative legal analysis to those who may wish to review the experience gained and the lessons learned from the pandemic. To this end, this investigation will consider only measures that fall under international health law, international trade law, international investment law and international human rights law as these regimes have been most affected in the last two years.