Membership and  representation

Liechtenstein joined the Council of Europe on 23 November 1978 and, since then, has been particularly committed to further developing human rights protection in Europe, fighting corruption and money laundering and combating violence against women and domestic violence.

  • Liechtenstein’s path to the Council of Europe

    Liechtenstein’s accession to the Council of Europe on 23 November 1978 was a milestone in its sovereign policy. This step was directly preceded by participation in the Conference on Security and Co-operation in Europe with the adoption of the Helsinki Final Act (1975) as well as accessions to partial agreements of the Council of Europe. The question of whether small States such as Liechtenstein should be members of international organisations was not without controversy in the years leading up to its accession. Some States took the view that small States would be unable to meet the accompanying obligations. Against such a backdrop, Liechtenstein’s admission to the Council of Europe was a decisive step towards safeguarding its sovereignty and also smoothed the way for the country’s accession to the UN in 1990 and the EEA in 1995.

     

    “In joining the Council of Europe, the Principality of Liechtenstein is taking a decisive step forward as regards its future position in Europe and the world.”

    From the Government’s 1978 report and application for approval

     

    “Liechtenstein’s accession to the Council of Europe marks without doubt the beginning of a new era in Liechtenstein foreign policy, an era not only of heightened sovereignty but also of […] even more active co-operation with its neighbours and the other countries of Europe.”

    Hans Brunhart, Prime Minister, speaking about the State Parliament’s approval of accession in 1978

     

    Chronology

    January 22th, 1975
    Liechtenstein is granted observer status with the Council of Europe.

    May 11th, 1977
    The State Parliament authorises the Government to apply for Council of Europe membership.

    November 4th, 1977
    The Government deposits the application for membership with the Council of Europe.

    September 28th, 1978
    The Parliamentary Assembly recommends that Liechtenstein be admitted.

    November 13th, 1978
    The Committee of Ministers agrees to Liechtenstein’s admission by consensus.

    November 15th, 1978
    The State Parliament votes in favour of accession.

    November 23th, 1978
    Liechtenstein becomes the 21st member State of the Council of Europe, at the same time signing the European Convention on Human Rights.

    September 8th, 1982
    Liechtenstein deposits the instrument of ratification of the ECHR.

  • Liechtenstein in the Council of Europe today

    Within the Council of Europe, Liechtenstein provides its support for the Organisation’s main goal of promoting human rights, democracy and the rule of law in Europe. Reinforcing the European Court of Human Rights and combating money laundering and corruption are major focal points of Liechtenstein’s commitment. In its 40 years of membership Liechtenstein has demonstrated its willingness and ability to contribute to tackling common European challenges. The strength of Europe hinges on shared values such as the rule of law, the safeguarding of fundamental principles and living democracy. Liechtenstein's foreign policy priorities in the multilateral field are matched with the Council of Europe’s priorities. Liechtenstein is determined to actively champion those values.

    Further information on Liechtenstein’s membership of the Council of Europe can be found on the member States page of the Council of Europe’s website.

  • Liechtenstein’s representatives in the most important Council of Europe bodies

    Committee of Ministers

    Liechtenstein is represented on the Committee of Ministers by its Minister of Foreign Affairs Dominique Hasler. In practice, at the CM’s weekly meetings it is the member States’ permanent representatives who deputise for the foreign affairs ministers; in the case of Liechtenstein, Ambassador Domenik Wanger handles this task.

    During its presidency, Liechtenstein’s Permanent Representation in Strasbourg will also be staffed by Helen Lorez-Schweig (member of diplomatic staff), Sarah Nigg (member of diplomatic staff), Emma Schwärzler (legal adviser), Christine Arnaud (assistant) and Naomi Lind (intern).

    Diplomatic representation in Strasbourg

     

    Parliamentary Assembly (PACE)

    Liechtenstein is represented in the Parliamentary Assembly by Franziska Hoop, Peter Frick, Hubert Büchel (substitute) and Thomas Hasler (substitute).

     

    Congress of Local and Regional Authorities

    Liechtenstein’s delegation to the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of the Council of Europe is currently being reappointed.

     

    European Court of Human Rights

    As for all the other States Parties to the European Convention on Human Rights, a judge sits in the European Court of Human Rights in respect of Liechtenstein. Judge Carlo Ranzoni currently holds this office and will do so until August 2024.