The Treaty between the Principality of Liechtenstein and the Republic of Austria on the Establishment of the State Border and the Preservation of Boundary Markers, which has been in force since October 1, 1960, regulates the course and certification of the state border, the protection of boundary markers and private law relationships. A treaty amending this border treaty was signed in Vienna on 12 December 2024. H.S.H. Ambassador Maria-Pia Kothbauer signed on behalf of Liechtenstein.
The amendment will straighten the current border in Lake Egelsee, which follows the original course of the border trench, by transferring 239 square meters of territory from Austria to Liechtenstein and vice versa. Liechtenstein mainly receives areas in Lake Egelsee from Austria. In return, Austria receives strips of land to the north-west and south-east of Lake Egel. The solution that has been found is an equal-area exchange that has no impact on the areas of land ownership.
Another change concerns the building ban on the border. The existing ban on construction at a distance of ten meters from the state border will be reduced to one meter under the new agreement.
In addition, the boundary deed has been technically revised and adapted to current surveying methods - such as the use of GPS - and to the results of the new survey of the state border.
Before the amendments can enter into force, the treaty must still be approved by the respective parliaments in both countries. In Liechtenstein, the treaty is expected to be submitted to parliament in the first half of 2025.
Foto Credits: © BMEIA / Auer-Grumbach
