Berset in Liechtenstein: “Two states can’t get any closer”

“Two states cannot be closer than Switzerland and the Principality of Liechtenstein,” said Federal President Alain Berset in his speech at the gala evening in Schaan FL to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the customs union with Liechtenstein. The customs treaty was one of the reasons for the decades-long friendship between the two countries.

The positive effects of the customs treaty became apparent soon after its signing on March 29, 1923. “Both countries have benefited politically and economically from this,” Berset emphasized during the anniversary celebration for 250 guests from Liechtenstein and Switzerland.

Today, the ties are so close that trade flows between Switzerland and Liechtenstein can no longer be meaningfully recorded.

The Swiss border regions in particular would have benefited from this, where opponents of the customs treaty once warned of an increase in smuggling. “More than 56 percent of employees in Liechtenstein are cross-border commuters – and more than two-thirds of them live in Switzerland,” explains the Federal President.

Hereditary Prince Alois speaks of a unique collaboration

Hereditary Prince Alois von und zu Liechtenstein also emphasized the special bond between the two countries in his speech. “The customs treaty has laid the foundations for a very close intergovernmental relationship that is unparalleled and cannot be taken for granted,” he said.

Switzerland and Liechtenstein have much more in common than is usually the case between neighbours. “Liechtenstein has such close and friendly cooperation with no other country,” the Hereditary Prince emphasized.

The customs treaty was the prelude to cross-border integration in practically all areas of life, such as health, education and security. The ties would stretch from politics and administration to the economy and families.

The value of the customs treaty recently became apparent in tackling the corona pandemic. The customs union with Switzerland made it possible to cross the border without certificates or exemptions. The contract is also valuable in tackling the current scarcity in the energy sector. (sda)