Any crisis has an impact on politics and the ability to (re)define even the most fundamental concepts. The WWII and totalitarian atrocities shaped our understanding of human dignity in opposition to dehumanising violence. Since the 60’s, societal and technological shifts have recentred the debates on equality resulting from human dignity. Today, we are currently in the midst of a major health crisis, which takes lives, impacts the economy, and is changing our way of life. Policy choices made by European political leaders in response to the pandemic can provide some perspective on the meaning of human dignity. Ultimately, they are all standing in front of very basic questions: “Shall we sacrifice the health or life of a few to save many?” or “Shall we risk actual lives to avoid economic crisis potentially impacting future lives?”.
