On November 15, 2023 Liechtenstein took over the rotating Presidency of the Council of Europe for six months. Founded in 1949, the Council of Europe promotes human rights, the rule of law and democracy in Europa and beyond. As a member since 1978, Liechtenstein is committed to strengthen these principles during its tenure as President under the motto “shared values, shared future”.
From September 26-27, 2023, Ambassador Georg Sparber traveled to Newport and Providence, Rhode Island. In Newport, Ambassador Sparber was welcomed by the Pell Center at Salve Regina University where he was featured in a discussion on the war in Ukraine, the rule of law and the importance of the United Nations. Ambassador Sparber’s visit continued a long tradition of strong ties between Liechtenstein and Salve Regnia University, especially with its Pell Center.
On September 19, 2023 the Embassy of Liechtenstein, the US Department of State, the Basel Institute on Governance, and the Woodrow Wilson Center hosted a discussion titled "Combating Green Corruption: Fighting Financial Crime as a Driver of Environmental Degradation."
From September 15-16, 2023, Hereditary Prince Alois of Liechtenstein and Hereditary Princess Sophie of Liechtenstein visited the Liechtenstein Institute on Self-Determination (LISD) at Princeton University. During their visit, the Princely couple met with the leadership of Princeton University, the School of Public and International Affairs, the LISD, as well as faculty and students. They also had the opportunity to meet with LISD alumni, members of the University community, and of the township at a formal reception.
In June Liechtenstein released the findings of its second Voluntary National Review on the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
In its summary, the report states that:
From June 21 to June 23, 2023, the Liechtenstein Delegation participated in the 53rd General Assembly of the OAS in Washington D.C.
From June 11 to 12, H.S.H. Hereditary Prince Alois of Liechtenstein, Liechtenstein's Acting Head of State since 2004, traveled to Washington, D.C. The purpose of his visit was to participate in a series of congressional meetings focused on current challenges and bilateral relations between Liechtenstein and the United States.
On May 30, Ludlow-Taylor Elementary School's 5th graders from Washington, DC had the opportunity to visit the Embassy of Liechtenstein as part of the Embassy Adoption Program. Over the course of several weeks, the students had been learning about Liechtenstein, and they were excited to present their knowledge to the Ambassador and the embassy staff.
From March 14-19, the award-winning string ensemble LGT Young Soloists (sponsored by LGT Private Banking) conducted a tour in Washington and Baltimore. The group is made up of highly talented young soloists between the ages of 13 and 23 from over 20 nations. Since its founding in 2013, the LGT Young Soloists have established themselves as one of the leading youth orchestras worldwide.
From May 31 to June 1, 2023, Ambassador Sparber traveled to Atlanta and Macon, Georgia. On May 31, Ambassador Sparber was welcomed in Atlanta by Dr. Bruce S. Allen, Honorary Consul of Liechtenstein to the South and Southeastern United States, and his wife Jennifer. Later they travelled to the Ocmulgee Mounds National Historical Park in Macon, GA where they viewed prehistoric Native American ceremonial and burial mounds. Ambassador Sparber was also able to meet with Macon-Bibb Mayor T.H.
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.
From 5 to 9 December, Graziella Marok-Wachter, Liechtenstein’s Minister of Infrastructure & Justice, traveled to Washington, DC.
From 13 to 18 November, Liechtenstein’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Education and Sports, Dominique Hasler, traveled to the United States.
From October 25-26 Ambassador Georg Sparber visited Missouri where he toured the operations of Major Custom Cable which was recently acquired by the Liechtenstein company Neutrik.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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”.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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).
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.
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.
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.”
On June 24, Women in International Security (WIIS) and the Embassy of Liechtenstein organized a discussion on the United Nation's 75th anniversary, looking at what the international body has accomplished, its future and how it has addressed the Women, Peace and Security Agenda.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
On October 3, the Liechtenstein Parliament passed the Token and Trusted Technology Service Provider Act (TVTG) - in the past known as the "Blockchain Act." This means that the law can enter into force on January 1, 2020.
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.
In May and July the Embassy of Liechtenstein, in partnership with Women in International Security (WIIS), hosted three panel discussions focusing on the UN Women, Peace and Security agenda.
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.
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.
On July 20, 1969, a collective dream became reality, with a footprint symbolizing this achievement. On that day, a human set foot on the moon for the first time. The limits of what seemed possible were now redefined.
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.
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).
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.
The Embassy of Liechtenstein, in partnership with Women in International Security (WIIS), hosted a panel discussion about “Women in Politics: Challenges and Opportunities” on March 6, 2019. The event occurred at the Longworth House Office Building on Capitol Hill.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Tina Weirather’s Olympic success in winning a bronze medal in the Women’s Super-G skiing brought joy to the Principality unparalleled since Paul Frommelt won Liechtenstein’s last medal in Calgary in 1988 in men’s slalom.
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.
