Liechtenstein–Switzerland relations

Swiss–Liechtensteiner relations

Liechtenstein	Switzerland

Liechtenstein embassy in Bern, Switzerland.

Diplomatic relations between Switzerland and Liechtenstein have been close due to Switzerland's role in safeguarding the interests of its smaller neighbour, Liechtenstein.^[1]

Cooperation

At the request of Liechtenstein's government in 1919, Switzerland safeguards Liechtenstein's interests and citizens abroad. The two form a common economic and monetary area (Liechtenstein has used the Swiss franc (since 1920) and has had a customs union^[2] (since 1924) with Switzerland) with open borders (though both are now also party 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, Switzerland represented its interests in that organization.

The two also share a common language (German) and are both outside the European Union. Liechtenstein relies on Switzerland for its national defence as it has no army of its own.^[3] Like its neighbour, it maintains a policy of neutrality. Ambassadors to one country are usually accredited to both (the only one resident in the country is from the Sovereign Military Order of Malta).

Incidents involving the Swiss military

The open border between the two countries at Balzers and Trübbach

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

• On 5 December 1985, rockets fired by the Swiss Army landed in Liechtenstein, causing a forest fire. Compensation was paid.^[4]
• On 13 October 1992, following written orders, Swiss Army cadets unknowingly crossed the border and went to Triesen 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.^[5]

• In March 2007, a company of 171 Swiss soldiers mistakenly entered Liechtenstein, they were disorientated and took a wrong turn due to bad weather conditions. The troops returned to Swiss territory before they had travelled more than 2 km 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. No problem, these things happen".^[6][7]

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.^[8]

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.^[9]

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 will start in 2018, and effectual exchange of account information is planned for 2019.^[10]

See also

• Liechtenstein frank
• List of diplomatic missions in Liechtenstein

Notes and references