Liechtenstein–European Union relations

• European Union
• Liechtenstein

The Principality of Liechtenstein is not part of the European Union. Since 1 May 1995, Liechtenstein has been a member of the European Economic Area ( EEA) and thus takes part in the EU internal market. Liechtenstein is so that together with the two other EEA countries Norway and Iceland the most integrated into European structures third country.

Simultaneously Liechtenstein is connected to the non-EEA member Switzerland in an economic, customs and monetary union since 1924.

Statistics

Liechtenstein is one with an area of 160 km ² to the European mini-states. It has a resident population of 35,600 inhabitants. The proportion of foreigners is 33 %. Of these, about half of EU citizens.

63 % of Liechtenstein's exports go to the EU countries. From the EU are 92 % of all direct imports. ( Trade with the Switzerland is not included. )

Prehistory

Liechtenstein is a member of the European Free Trade Association ( EFTA) since 1991. Since its founding in 1960, EFTA, Liechtenstein was connected to the organization by a special protocol. About the Customs Treaty with Switzerland took Liechtenstein since 1972 to that of the EFTA States to the European Economic Community ( EEC) concluded FTAs part.

On the basis of two referendums in 1992 and 1995, Liechtenstein acceded on 1 May 1995 in the EEA. In the referendum on 12 December 1992, 55.8 % voted in favor of joining the EEA. The turnout was 87%. On 4 April 1995, the EEA - accession conditions (Voting Participation 82.1 %) were approved by a majority of 55.9 % of the people.

EU - Liechtenstein relations

Through its membership in the EEA, Liechtenstein takes part in the internal market of the European Union. The Liechtenstein economy thereby gains access to a common market of the 30 EEA Member States with over 500 million people. As an EEA Member Liechtenstein takes Although in the formulation of the relevant EEA law in part ( right of participation ), but has no right to decide.

Agriculture and veterinary issues are exempt from the provisions of the EEA. Here since 2007, applies an existing between the EU and Switzerland Agreement for Liechtenstein.

The special demographic situation of Liechtenstein wear special regulations for persons and freedom of establishment bill. There is in particular a quota system in the residence.

Liechtenstein makes a share of 0.77 percent in the EEA contributions. Twice a year come Liechtenstein, Iceland and Norway, the EEA Council together on Foreign Minister level.

In addition to his membership in the EEA, Liechtenstein has participated in numerous EU programs and agencies, but without a vote.

EEA Financial Mechanism

In return for Liechtenstein's participation in the internal market, the country contributes through the EEA Financial Mechanism as Norway and Iceland to reduce economic and social disparities in the poorer EU member states. The Liechtenstein payments amounted in the period 2004 to 2009 to 1.2 million euros per year. In December 2009, an agreement in principle on an extension of the financial mechanism for the period 2009-2014 has been reached between the EU on the one hand, and Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein on the other.

Schengen

Liechtenstein is since December 19, 2011 Full user of the Schengen Agreement. Due feared facilitated tax evasion Germany and Sweden for a long time prevented the accession of Liechtenstein. On 15 February 2011, however, the European Parliament agreed to join. An evaluation phase was about the year 2011 of time. The competent Ministers has approved the accession of Liechtenstein on 13 December 2011. By participating in the Schengen area, Liechtenstein also committed to work closely with the police and judiciary in the EU countries.

Liechtenstein's accession to the Schengen area could not be performed in parallel with that of Switzerland in November 2008. For the transitional period, a pragmatic solution to the temporary Schengen border between Liechtenstein and Switzerland was found: it will find video surveillance, random checks and patrols instead.

With its accession to the Schengen area Liechtenstein will also participate in the Dublin Convention. In order to better coordination of asylum policy and the prevention of abuse of the asylum with the EU are guaranteed.

Tax and Finance

Since 2005 applies between Liechtenstein and the EU signed an agreement on the taxation of savings income in non-resident accounts in Liechtenstein.

Liechtenstein declared in April 2009 that they will accept the OECD standards on exchange of information on tax matters in the future. This tax fraud and tax evasion should be combated more effectively than before. Currently, the EU is negotiating with Liechtenstein on the conclusion of anti-fraud agreement.

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The report of the Liechtenstein Government of March 2010 gave a positive overall balance of Liechtenstein's membership in the EEA. This is tailor-made for the needs of Liechtenstein, in particular for the Liechtenstein economy. An application for membership to the European Union is currently not on the agenda, but remains an option Liechtenstein policy.