Swiss–Liechtensteiner relations
Map indicating locations of Liechtenstein and Switzerland

Liechtenstein
Switzerland

Diplomatic and economic relations between Switzerland and Liechtenstein have been close, with Switzerland accepting the role of safeguarding the interests of its smaller neighbour, Liechtenstein.[1] Liechtenstein has an embassy in Bern.[2] Switzerland is accredited to Liechtenstein from its Federal Department of Foreign Affairs in Berne and maintains an honorary consulate in Vaduz.[3]

The two countries share an open border, mostly on the Rhine, but also in the Rätikon range of the Alps, between the Fläscherberg and the Naafkopf.

History of cooperation

The Liechtenstein delegation for custom union negotiations with Switzerland, 1920.

After the dissolution of Austria-Hungary in 1918, the Liechtenstein government could no longer rely on Austria to fulfill their monetary and diplomatic needs. At the request of Liechtenstein's government in 1919, Switzerland safeguards Liechtenstein's interests and citizens abroad.[4][5] The two countries form a common economic and monetary area. Liechtenstein has used the Swiss franc since 1920, and the two countries have formed a customs union since 1924 and have open borders.[6][7] When Liechtenstein applied to join the League of Nations in 1920, Switzerland was the only country to vote in favour of their ascension at the League of Nations Assembly on 17 December 1920, as opposed to 28 against.[8]

During World War II, both countries were neutral. Liechtenstein sought to align itself as closely as possible with Switzerland during the war in hopes of retaining the country's neutrality.[9] It achieved the de facto inclusion of Liechtenstein in the Swiss national supply.[10] Though there were figures both inside and outside of Liechtenstein who used the country in order to recruit Liechtensteiners into the Waffen-SS and gain public sympathy for the Nazi cause, which infuriated Switzerland.[11][12]

Liechtenstein embassy in Berne, Switzerland.

Both are now also parties to the Schengen Agreement.[1] The countries also have a common patent system. Switzerland is empowered to enter into treaties on Liechtenstein's behalf if Liechtenstein is not represented at the treaty negotiations; this power has most often been exercised with treaties involving customs duties or procedures.

Swiss consular protection is extended to citizens of Liechtenstein. Switzerland represents Liechtenstein abroad unless they choose otherwise.[1] Before Liechtenstein became a member in its own right of the European Free Trade Association in 1999, Switzerland represented its interests in that organization.[13][14]

The two also share a common language, (German), and are both outside the European Union (Liechtenstein however has joined the European Economic Area). Like Switzerland, Liechtenstein maintains a policy of neutrality. However, whilst Switzerland follows a policy of armed neutrality, Liechtenstein does not have an army of its own.[15] Ambassadors to one country are usually accredited to the other. The only resident ambassador in Liechtenstein is a knight of the Sovereign Military Order of Malta.

Incidents involving the Swiss military

The open border between the two countries at Balzers and Trübbach (bridge over the Rhine)
Swiss customs in Liechtenstein at the Austrian border near Ruggell

Switzerland has a relatively active military due to ongoing conscription. Several incidents have occurred during routine training:

  • On 14 October 1968,[16] five artillery shells fired by the Swiss army accidentally hit Liechtenstein's only ski resort, Malbun. The only recorded damages were to a few chairs belonging to an outdoor restaurant.
  • On 26 August 1976, just before midnight, 75 members of the Swiss Army and a number of packhorses mistakenly took a wrong turn and ended up 500 metres (yards) into Liechtenstein at Iradug, in Balzers. The Liechtensteiners reportedly offered drinks to the Swiss soldiers.[17]
  • On 5 December 1985, anti-aircraft missiles fired by the Swiss Army landed in Liechtenstein amid a winter storm, causing a forest fire in a protected area. Compensation was paid.[18]
  • On 13 October 1992, following written orders, Swiss Army recruits unknowingly crossed the border and went to Triesenberg to set up an observation post. Swiss commanders had overlooked the fact that Triesenberg was not on Swiss territory. Switzerland apologized to Liechtenstein for the incident.[19]
  • On 3 March 2007, a company of 171 Swiss soldiers mistakenly entered Liechtenstein, as they were disoriented and took a wrong turn due to bad weather conditions. The troops returned to Swiss territory after they had travelled more than 2 km (1¼ miles) into the country. The Liechtenstein authorities did not discover the incursion and were informed by the Swiss after the incident. The incident was disregarded by both sides. A Liechtenstein spokesman said, "It's not like they invaded with attack helicopters".[20][21]

Taxation and tax treaties

Liechtenstein's standard rate of VAT (Mehrwertsteuer) is identical to Switzerland's for it must mirror the latter's continually and is currently 7.7%. The reduced rate is 2.5%. A special reduced rate of 3.7% is in use in the hotel industry.[22]

In July 2015, both countries signed a new agreement on double taxation, which took effect in December 2016, superseding the previous one from 1995. Some differences on the withholding tax arose, but Switzerland did not agree to introduce this practice to residents of Liechtenstein working in Switzerland.[23]

In November 2016, the parliament of the principality decided with a large majority to introduce an agreement of automatic information exchange with 27 new treaty partners, including Switzerland. Data collection started in 2018, and effectual exchange of account information in 2019.[24]

See also

References

  1. 1 2 3 Principality of Liechtenstein, Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs
  2. ↑ Embassy of Liechtenstein in Bern
  3. ↑ Representation of Switzerland to Liechtenstein
  4. ↑ "Le Conseil fédéral confirme le souhait de la Principauté de représenter ses intérêts à l'étranger et propose la création d'une commission mixte pour élaborer les modalités des futures relations bilatérales". Dodis.ch. Dodis. Retrieved 2 February 2023.
  5. ↑ "Die liechtensteinische Gesandtschaft unterbreitet dem Politischen Departement die Grundlagen, auf welchen sich der Fürst die Vertretung des Fürstentums im Ausland wünscht". Dodis.ch. Dodis. Retrieved 2 February 2023.
  6. ↑ Marxer, Roland (31 December 2011). "Zollanschlussvertrag". Historisches Lexikon (in German). Retrieved 25 October 2023.
  7. ↑ "Switzerland and Liechtenstein: December 2000". World Trade Organization. 2000-12-06. Retrieved 2012-09-16.
  8. ↑ Biland, Susanna (31 December 2011). "Völkerbund". Historisches Lexikon des Fürstentums Liechtenstein (in German). Retrieved 25 October 2023.
  9. ↑ Streitwireless, Clarence (10 April 1938). "GUARANTEE SOUGHT BY LIECHTENSTEIN; Principality Wants to Join Switzerland if Powers Fail to Back Independencece GERMAN INVASION FEARED". The New York Times. Retrieved 16 May 2023.
  10. ↑ Geiger, Peter (31 December 2011). "Hoop,_Josef_(1895–1959)". Historisches Lexikon des Fürstentums Liechtenstein (in German). Retrieved 26 October 2022.
  11. ↑ "Liechtenstein Jails Nazi For Attempt at Uprising". The New York Times. 27 April 1939. Retrieved 18 May 2023.
  12. ↑ Marxer, Wilfried. "Volksdeutsche Bewegung in Liechtenstein (VDBL)". Historisches Lexikon des Fürstentums Liechtenstein (in German). Retrieved 14 November 2023.
  13. ↑ Frommelt, Fabian (31 December 2011). "Frick, Alexander". Historisches Lexikon des Fürstentums Liechtenstein (in German). Retrieved 18 May 2023.
  14. ↑ "Liechtenstein Hilltop Is Summit For Conference of 'Little Four'; 'LITTLE 4' CONFER IN LIECHTENSTEIN". The New York Times. 23 October 1961. Retrieved 18 May 2023.
  15. ↑ Oliver, Mark (2007-03-02). "Liechtenstein: no retaliation for Swiss 'invasion'". the Guardian. Retrieved 2018-06-28.
  16. ↑ "Pocket 'war'". The Canberra Times. October 16, 1968.
  17. ↑ "Swiss Soldiers Inadvertently Invade Liechtenstein". Sarasota Herald-Tribune. September 1, 1976.
  18. ↑ Russell, Shahan (2016-09-30). "Neutral Switzerland Has Invaded Liechtenstein 3 times in 30 years - by Mistake". WAR HISTORY ONLINE. Retrieved 2020-09-06.
  19. ↑ "Swiss Inform Liechtenstein of Error in Troop Maneuvers". New York Times. 1992-10-18. Retrieved 2009-11-27.
  20. ↑ "Swiss in Liechtenstein 'invasion'". BBC News. 2007-03-03. Retrieved 2007-03-03.
  21. ↑ "Whoops! Swiss Accidentally Invade Liechtenstein". ABC News. 2007-03-03. Retrieved 2007-03-03.
  22. ↑ "Liechtenstein cuts VAT to 7.7% 2018 - Avalara".
  23. ↑ Liechtenstein scheitert mit Quellensteuer für Grenzgänger(in German). Neue Zürcher Zeitung (Schweiz). Retrieved 10 December 2017.
  24. ↑ Liechtenstein und Schweiz tauschen Kontoinformationen aus(in German). Blick online. Retrieved 10 December 2017.
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