Liechtenstein has a close economic relationship with the EU through the European Economic Area Agreement (EEA), which Liechtenstein joined in 1995.

Political and Economic Relations

Close partners in the EEA

Most aspects of relations between Liechtenstein and the EU are regulated by the EEA Agreement, namely:

  • The participation in the EU internal market.
  • The participation in EU agencies and EU programmes.
  • Liechtenstein's financial contribution to economic and social cohesion in the EU and the EEA.
  • The frequent exchange on foreign policy matters at ministerial and expert level.

Since December 2011, Liechtenstein has also been an associate member of the border-free Schengen area and participates fully in the Dublin system for determining responsibility for asylum applications.

In December 2015, the EU and Liechtenstein signed an agreement on the automatic exchange of information in tax matters, which will significantly facilitate the fight against tax evasion. The new agreement entered into force in 2016.

In the United Nations, Liechtenstein often supports the EU's foreign policy and usually joins its advances.

1 May 2020 marked the 25th anniversary of Liechtenstein's accession to the EEA. According to a government report, EEA membership is an important factor for the Principality's economic success. According to a survey, the agreement enjoys broad support among the population.