As of 3 July 2020 the Liechtenstein Government announced that the total number of people who have tested positive for COVID-19 remains at 83 (out of a population of just over 38,000) with one fatality. No new COVID-19 cases have been recorded in Liechtenstein since April 24.
Travelers Bound for Liechtenstein
On April 15, a project was launched in Liechtenstein to develop a real-time coronavirus tracking program through the use of special, biometric bracelets. Under the pilot project, a select number of Liechtensteiners will be offered a bracelet, originally developed to monitor female fertility cycles, which will trace skin temperature, heart rate and breathing frequencies.
On March 11, 2020 the U.S. Government announced travel restrictions as a result of the COVID-19 outbreak, temporarily suspending travel (as of March 13, 2020) for non-U.S. citizens who have been physically present within the Schengen Area during the 14 days before their entry to the U.S. On March 14, the ban was extended to the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland starting Monday, March 16.
At the 62nd Annual Grammy Awards on January 26, 2020 " Ageless Songs for the Child Archetype" won the Grammy for Best Children's Album. The album's artist, Jon Samson, received the Grammy along with the album's producer Al Walser, who is from Liechtenstein. For Grammys awarded in the "Best Album" category, Grammys are awarded to both the artist and producer. We talked with Mr. Walser about his incredible accomplishment and what brought him to where he is today.
In September, Time Magazine came out with its list of "Greatest Places 2019 - 100 Destinations to Experience Right Now" and chose Liechtenstein as one of its top destinations. In featuring Liechtenstein, Time Magazine highlighted the Liechtenstein Trail which opened in May of 2019.
On September 27, the Liechtenstein Initiative for a Financial Sector Commission on Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking released its final report titled Unlocking Potential: A Blueprint for Mobilizing Finance Against Slavery and Trafficking.
On October 2, US Ambassador to Liechtenstein and Switzerland, Edward McMullen, hosted a reception in Vaduz celebrating US-Liechtenstein relations. As a highlight of the occasion, Ambassador McMullen presented H.S.H. Hereditary Prince Alois of Liechtenstein a letter signed by US President Donald Trump congratulating Liechtenstein on its 300th anniversary. A description of the event can be found on the website of the US Embassy in Bern.
On December 10 and 11 a delegation representing the Liechtenstein Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) visited Washington to highlight Liechtenstein economic footprint in the United States. The group consisted of Klaus Risch, LCCI President and Trustee of the Martin Hilti Family Trust which owns the Hilti Corporation; H.S.H.
On September 26 and 27 H.S.H. Hereditary Prince Alois of Liechtenstein visited Washington, DC. The visit served as an opportunity to promote Liechtenstein's international initiatives, its unique integration with the European Union, while also celebrating strong Liechtenstein-US relations during Liechtenstein's tricentennial year.
On October 3, the Liechtenstein Parliament passed the Token and Trusted Technology Service Provider Act (TVTG) - in the past known as the "Blockchain Act." This means that the law can enter into force on January 1, 2020.
On May 26 the New York Times featured a full-page article showcasing the opening of the Liechtenstein Trail. In celebration of Liechtenstein's 300th anniversary, the 46.6-mile Liechtenstein Trail was opened to take people on an interactive hiking experience through all of Liechtenstein's 11 towns.
In May and July the Embassy of Liechtenstein, in partnership with Women in International Security (WIIS), hosted three panel discussions focusing on the UN Women, Peace and Security agenda.
On April 29, as part of the "Smithsonian Year of Music," the Smithsonian Institution in Washington held a screening of "Open Land - Meeting John Abercrombie" directed by Liechtensteiner Arno Oehri. The screening was held at the Warner Bros. Theater at the Smithsonian Museum of American History.
From April 1-9 five students from the Liechtenstein International Academy of Music spent time in Washington, DC. The students came upon invitation by the Ryuji Ueno Foundation and took part in the organization's Washington Semester Leadership Program. The students participated in lectures, coaching sessions and also visited Shenandoah University where they were able to meet and interact with other advanced students of music.
On July 20, 1969, a collective dream became reality, with a footprint symbolizing this achievement. On that day, a human set foot on the moon for the first time. The limits of what seemed possible were now redefined.
In its February/March 2019 issue, National Geographic Traveler featured Liechtenstein’s capital of Vaduz as a “Smart City” for its commitment to accessing clean energy. In 2018 Liechtenstein once again topped the list of per capita production of solar energy by the organization SolarSuperState.
On March 18, 2019 the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development's (OECD) Global Forum on Transparency and Exchange of Information for Tax Purposes (Global Forum) found that the legal framework and practice in Liechtenstein are to a large extent compliant with international standards on administrative assistance in tax matters. In its second-round peer review, Liechtenstein again received an overall rating of "Largely Compliant" (in the same category as the United States, Germany, the United Kingdom and Austria).
The second annual Liechtenstein Dialogue for Development (LDD) took place at the headquarters of the Hilti Group in Schaan on January 17, 2019 and brought together a group of about 90 government and business decision-makers, subject matter experts as well as young professionals from across sectors and geographies.
The Embassy of Liechtenstein, in partnership with Women in International Security (WIIS), hosted a panel discussion about “Women in Politics: Challenges and Opportunities” on March 6, 2019. The event occurred at the Longworth House Office Building on Capitol Hill.
On June 27 Ambassador Kurt Jaeger traveled to Charlotte, NC to visit the Liechtenstein company Neutrik USA. Neutrik is a global leading supplier of professional entertainment connector products such as audio, video, digital, and fiber optic connectors. In the US the company employs 20 people and globally has a staff of about 1,000.
On September 12 the Embassy of Liechtenstein and Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) held a panel discussion on the future regulatory challenges of blockchain technology. The discussion was moderated by William Reinsch, Senior Adviser and Scholl Chair in International Business at CSIS. The panel included Mr.
The Embassy of Liechtenstein partnered with Women In International Security (WIIS) to host a roundtable discussion about “Youth, Peace and Security” on June 13th. The event occurred at the International Center for Research on Women and attracted about 60 attendees. The engaging conversation explored the significance and challenges of the UN Youth, Peace and Security agenda, particularly in regards to its assumptions about youth and gender.
In the midst of the refugee crisis four years ago, representatives of various religions met at the Berlin residence of H.S.H. Prince Stefan of Liechtenstein, the Ambassador of Liechtenstein to Germany at the time. During the meeting, participants discussed ways to improve the linguistic integration of refugees into European society. The final product of the meeting was the creation of a language course project named ‘Liechtenstein Languages’, also called LieLa for short.
You might have noticed that for the past several months the Embassy of Liechtenstein has been incorporating a special logo on its website, social media and e-mails stating "300 Years Principality of Liechtenstein 2019." As you may have deciphered, 2019 will mark the 300th anniversary of Liechtenstein’s founding. This momentous occasion will be celebrated with various events and activities throughout the year, presenting a unique opportunity for Liechtenstein to highlight its rich history while looking forward to a promising future.
Tina Weirather’s Olympic success in winning a bronze medal in the Women’s Super-G skiing brought joy to the Principality unparalleled since Paul Frommelt won Liechtenstein’s last medal in Calgary in 1988 in men’s slalom.
In mid-March Aurelia Frick, Minister for Foreign Affairs, Justice, and Culture, visited the United States to meet with officials in New York and Washington, DC, and to officially open a new Honorary Consulate in Houston, Texas.
Prime Minister Adrian Hasler outlined his vision for Liechtenstein’s future as a leader in the world of blockchain financial systems by announcing new regulations on blockchain systems at the Finance Forum Liechtenstein.
Arno Oehri’s film “Open Land – Meeting John Abercrombie” succeeds in more than just connecting the audience to the American jazz legend it portrays, it also succeeds in connecting Liechtenstein to the global jazz community. Oehri, a native of Liechtenstein, was invited to show the film at festivals in Madrid, Kassel, and Sarajevo.
