
News
Prime Minister Daniel Risch Participates in the 2023 Summit for Democracy
On the invitation of US President Joe Biden, Prime Minister Daniel Risch participated in the 2023 Summit for Democracy. The meeting, attended by around 120 heads of state and governments, was held virtually. President Biden called it a historic turning point and emphasized that the decisions made by the democracies of the world today will be decisive for the coming decades.
Liechtenstein Participates at the General Assembly of the Organization of American States
From 5 – 7 October, Ambassador Georg Sparber traveled to Lima, Peru, to participate in the 52nd Regular Session of the OAS General Assembly. As Permanent Observer to the OAS, Liechtenstein participated in the Dialogue between Member States of the OAS and Permanent Observers on the theme of this year's GA, "Together against inequality and discrimination". The Liechtenstein statement is available here.
Liechtenstein Parliament's Foreign Affairs Commission Visits Washington
From 13 to 16 September, the Foreign Affairs Commission of Liechtenstein’s Parliament, consisting of five members of the Landtag, led by Chairman Manfred Kaufmann, traveled to Washington, DC.
The purpose of the visit was to hold political talks with members of the Biden Administration and the US Congress, as well as exchange views on current geopolitical and domestic developments.
Ambassador Sparber Visits Amherst, NY and Charlotte, NC
With over 45% of its economy dedicated to manufacturing, Liechtenstein companies are leaders in their respective fields. As vital participants in the transatlantic and global supply chain of goods, Liechtenstein products can be found everywhere from your dentist's office to the steering system in your car, construction sites and components in music and audio equipment. Liechtenstein companies are found throughout the US, providing for upwards of 5000 jobs.
Foreign Minister Hasler Visits Princeton University
Foreign Minister Dominique Hasler visited New York from March 14-16. There she met with UN Secretary General António Guterres to discuss the European security in light of the Russian aggression against Ukraine, the grave humanitarian situation and the ongoing diplomatic efforts. The Liechtenstein Government strongly condemns the aggression against Ukraine, and stands in solidarity with the people of Ukraine, supporting refugees and humanitarian relief in the war-torn areas and neighboring countries.
A 25 Year Milestone in Liechtenstein-US Diplomatic Relations
On March 14, 2022, Liechtenstein and the United States paid tribute to a significant benchmark in their bilateral relations, namely 25 years since the first US Ambassador was accredited to Liechtenstein. In a post to Twitter, Ned Price, Spokesperson for the US Department of State stated: "Today marks 25 years of diplomatic relations between the United States and Liechtenstein.
Ambassador Sparber Visits Texas
In mid-February Ambassador Georg Sparber traveled to Texas. His visit to the Lone Star State began in Dallas with a private tour of The Warehouse on February 16. The exhibit "Sound as Sculpture" features a work on loan from the permanent collection of the Kunstmuseum Liechtenstein, a work by Emilio Prini called “5 sistemi percettivi per ambiente”.
Promoting Best-Practices and Protections in Blockchain Technology
When one thinks of blockchain, many may associate it primarily with cryptocurrency. However, blockchain, or distributed ledger technology, has infinite applications that can be applied to numerous business models to streamline things like keeping track of supply chains, medical records or attribute legal rights to various assets, properties and services.
Beginning November 8, 2021 Fully Vaccinated Travelers From Abroad May Enter the United States
On October 15 the United States Government announced that beginning November 8, 2021, all foreign travelers to the US will be admitted to the US with proof of full vaccination against COVID-19 and a negative COVID-19 test no older than 24 hours.
For frequently asked questions and guidelines please click here for information from the United States Department of State.
Foreign Minister Dominique Hasler Visits the United States
From 19 to 27 September, Dominique Hasler, Liechtenstein’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Education and Sports, traveled to the United States. She attended the United Nations General Assembly in New York, held numerous meetings in Washington, DC and also visited Chicago to inaugurate Liechtenstein's newest Honorary Consul.
Armbands Detect Covid Symptoms Days Before They Appear
In April 2020, a project was launched in Liechtenstein to develop a coronavirus tracking program through the use of special, biometric bracelets. Under the pilot project, known as the COVI-GAPP study, roughly 1100 Liechtensteiners were offered a bracelet, originally developed the Swiss company Ava AG, to monitor female fertility cycles, which traced skin temperature, heart rate and breathing frequencies.
New Government Sworn In
On March 25, a newly formed coalition Government for the legislative period 2021-2025 was sworn in. It is composed of Prime Minister Daniel Risch of the VU (Vaterländische Union - Patriotic Union), Deputy Prime Minister Sabine Monauni of the FBP (Fortschrittliche Bürgerpartei - Progressive Citizens Party) and further members of the Government, namely Dominique Hasler (VU), Graziella Marok-Wachter (VU) and Manuel Frick (FBP).
Liechtenstein Holds Parliamentary Elections
On February 7, Liechtenstein held parliamentary elections. Never before in Liechtenstein's history have the election results been so close. Liechtenstein's two largest parties, the FBP (Fortschrittliche Bürgerpartei - Progressive Citizens Party) and the Vaterländische Union (VU - Patriotic Union), won 10 seats each out of the 25 parliamentary seats available. The Head of Government position traditionally goes to the winning party.
Mobilizing Finance Against Modern Slavery
On October 19, the Embassy of Liechtenstein and the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) hosted an online panel discussion titled “Mobilizing Finance Against Modern Slavery.” The discussion focused on what the financial sector can do to fight the financing of human trafficking and modern slavery.
WIIS and Embassy of Liechtenstein Host Discussion on Publication on 21st Century Stategies for The Gender and Security Agenda
On October 26, the Embassy of Liechtenstein and Women in International Security (WIIS) hosted a book launch discussing the publication “The Gender and Security Agenda – Strategies for the 21st Century.”
Liechtenstein Study Using Biometric Braclets Aims to Combat Coronavirus Pandemic
On April 15, a project was launched in Liechtenstein to develop a real-time coronavirus tracking program through the use of special, biometric bracelets. Under the pilot project, a select number of Liechtensteiners will be offered a bracelet, originally developed to monitor female fertility cycles, which will trace skin temperature, heart rate and breathing frequencies.
A Grammy For Liechtenstein Artist Al Walser
At the 62nd Annual Grammy Awards on January 26, 2020 " Ageless Songs for the Child Archetype" won the Grammy for Best Children's Album. The album's artist, Jon Samson, received the Grammy along with the album's producer Al Walser, who is from Liechtenstein. For Grammys awarded in the "Best Album" category, Grammys are awarded to both the artist and producer. We talked with Mr. Walser about his incredible accomplishment and what brought him to where he is today.
Time Magazine Lists Liechtenstein As One of Its "Greatest Places 2019"
In September, Time Magazine came out with its list of "Greatest Places 2019 - 100 Destinations to Experience Right Now" and chose Liechtenstein as one of its top destinations. In featuring Liechtenstein, Time Magazine highlighted the Liechtenstein Trail which opened in May of 2019.
President Trump Congratulates Liechtenstein on its Tricentennial
On October 2, US Ambassador to Liechtenstein and Switzerland, Edward McMullen, hosted a reception in Vaduz celebrating US-Liechtenstein relations. As a highlight of the occasion, Ambassador McMullen presented H.S.H. Hereditary Prince Alois of Liechtenstein a letter signed by US President Donald Trump congratulating Liechtenstein on its 300th anniversary. A description of the event can be found on the website of the US Embassy in Bern.
Liechtenstein Chamber of Commerce and Industry Visits Washington
On December 10 and 11 a delegation representing the Liechtenstein Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) visited Washington to highlight Liechtenstein economic footprint in the United States. The group consisted of Klaus Risch, LCCI President and Trustee of the Martin Hilti Family Trust which owns the Hilti Corporation; H.S.H.
Hereditary Prince Alois Visits Washington
On September 26 and 27 H.S.H. Hereditary Prince Alois of Liechtenstein visited Washington, DC. The visit served as an opportunity to promote Liechtenstein's international initiatives, its unique integration with the European Union, while also celebrating strong Liechtenstein-US relations during Liechtenstein's tricentennial year.
Newly Opened "Liechtenstein Trail" Featured in the New York Times
On May 26 the New York Times featured a full-page article showcasing the opening of the Liechtenstein Trail. In celebration of Liechtenstein's 300th anniversary, the 46.6-mile Liechtenstein Trail was opened to take people on an interactive hiking experience through all of Liechtenstein's 11 towns.
Smithsonian Institution Features Liechtenstein-Directed Documentary of US Jazz Legend John Abercrombie
On April 29, as part of the "Smithsonian Year of Music," the Smithsonian Institution in Washington held a screening of "Open Land - Meeting John Abercrombie" directed by Liechtensteiner Arno Oehri. The screening was held at the Warner Bros. Theater at the Smithsonian Museum of American History.
Students from the Liechtenstein International Academy of Music Perform in Washington
From April 1-9 five students from the Liechtenstein International Academy of Music spent time in Washington, DC. The students came upon invitation by the Ryuji Ueno Foundation and took part in the organization's Washington Semester Leadership Program. The students participated in lectures, coaching sessions and also visited Shenandoah University where they were able to meet and interact with other advanced students of music.
Liechtenstein Featured in National Geographic Traveler
In its February/March 2019 issue, National Geographic Traveler featured Liechtenstein’s capital of Vaduz as a “Smart City” for its commitment to accessing clean energy. In 2018 Liechtenstein once again topped the list of per capita production of solar energy by the organization SolarSuperState.
OECD Global Forum Once Again Attests Liechtenstein a High Degree of Compliance With International Tax Standards
On March 18, 2019 the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development's (OECD) Global Forum on Transparency and Exchange of Information for Tax Purposes (Global Forum) found that the legal framework and practice in Liechtenstein are to a large extent compliant with international standards on administrative assistance in tax matters. In its second-round peer review, Liechtenstein again received an overall rating of "Largely Compliant" (in the same category as the United States, Germany, the United Kingdom and Austria).
Second Liechtenstein Dialogue for Development Reveals New Approaches to Development Aid
The second annual Liechtenstein Dialogue for Development (LDD) took place at the headquarters of the Hilti Group in Schaan on January 17, 2019 and brought together a group of about 90 government and business decision-makers, subject matter experts as well as young professionals from across sectors and geographies.
Ambassador Jaeger Visits Neutrik in North Carolina
On June 27 Ambassador Kurt Jaeger traveled to Charlotte, NC to visit the Liechtenstein company Neutrik USA. Neutrik is a global leading supplier of professional entertainment connector products such as audio, video, digital, and fiber optic connectors. In the US the company employs 20 people and globally has a staff of about 1,000.
Embassy of Liechtenstein and CSIS Host Discussion on the Future of Blockchain Technology
On September 12 the Embassy of Liechtenstein and Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) held a panel discussion on the future regulatory challenges of blockchain technology. The discussion was moderated by William Reinsch, Senior Adviser and Scholl Chair in International Business at CSIS. The panel included Mr.
Embassy of Liechtenstein and WIIS Host Event on Youth, Peace and Security
The Embassy of Liechtenstein partnered with Women In International Security (WIIS) to host a roundtable discussion about “Youth, Peace and Security” on June 13th. The event occurred at the International Center for Research on Women and attracted about 60 attendees. The engaging conversation explored the significance and challenges of the UN Youth, Peace and Security agenda, particularly in regards to its assumptions about youth and gender.
Bringing Innovation to Language Learning for Migrants and Refugees
In the midst of the refugee crisis four years ago, representatives of various religions met at the Berlin residence of H.S.H. Prince Stefan of Liechtenstein, the Ambassador of Liechtenstein to Germany at the time. During the meeting, participants discussed ways to improve the linguistic integration of refugees into European society. The final product of the meeting was the creation of a language course project named ‘Liechtenstein Languages’, also called LieLa for short.
Arno Oehri’s Award-Winning Film “Open Land” Memorializes US Jazz Musician John Abercrombie
Arno Oehri’s film “Open Land – Meeting John Abercrombie” succeeds in more than just connecting the audience to the American jazz legend it portrays, it also succeeds in connecting Liechtenstein to the global jazz community. Oehri, a native of Liechtenstein, was invited to show the film at festivals in Madrid, Kassel, and Sarajevo.