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Council of Europe

Liechtenstein became a member of the Council of Europe in 1978. The admission was a milestone in Liechtenstein's recognition as an independent member of the community of states and as part of the European family of democratic states. Another milestone is Liechtenstein's presidency of the Council of Europe's most important decision-making body, the Committee of Ministers, from mid-November 2023 to mid-May 2024. The presidency is part of the responsibility of each member state of the Council of Europe. Liechtenstein has chaired the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe twice so far (1987 and 2001). The motto of the current presidency is "Common values, common future". All information on the priorities and the program in Liechtenstein and the Council of Europe can be found on the website www.europarat.li 

The Council of Europe plays a key role in protecting and strengthening human rights, democracy and the rule of law. With the exception of military issues, its work covers practically all aspects of European society. The more than 200 conventions drawn up within the framework of the Council of Europe enable its members, as contracting states, to harmonize their national legal systems with European standards and thus create a pan-European legal area. The most important instrument created by the Council of Europe is the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) with the mechanism based on it for the protection of human rights in Europe, which includes in particular the European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR) in Strasbourg.

Liechtenstein has been represented by an Ambassador in Strasbourg since its accession. A special feature of the Council of Europe is the regular meetings between experts from the member states. Liechtenstein focuses its participation in these expert meetings on specific topics. These include the further development of human rights protection, the fight against transnational organized crime, cybercrime and international terrorism, the fight against money laundering and corruption, as well as cooperation in the areas of education and the protection of cultural heritage.

Further information can be found on the Homepage of the Permanent Representation to the Council of Europe in Strasbourg.

Link Website: https://www.llv.li/en/national-administration/office-for-foreign-affairs/topics/multilateral-collaboration/council-of-europe