Liechtenstein Hosts Finance Ministers for Talks on Europe’s Competitiveness
Liechtenstein hosted the annual meeting of finance ministers from German-speaking countries on 24 August 2026, bringing together senior representatives from Germany, Luxembourg, Switzerland, Austria and Liechtenstein.
Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Brigitte Haas welcomed German Vice-Chancellor and Federal Minister of Finance Lars Klingbeil, Luxembourg’s Minister of Finance Gilles Roth, Swiss Federal Councillor and Head of the Federal Department of Finance Karin Keller-Sutter, and Austrian State Secretary at the Federal Ministry of Finance Barbara Eibinger-Miedl.
The discussions focused on strengthening Europe’s competitiveness, enhancing the resilience of the financial sector and addressing long-term fiscal challenges, including the financing of pension systems and rising healthcare costs.
Although the participating countries differ in size and in their degree of European integration, they face many similar financial and economic challenges. The meeting therefore provided an opportunity to reinforce cooperation and maintain direct dialogue among the German-speaking countries.
The participants agreed to continue their joint efforts at the European level to achieve a meaningful reduction in bureaucracy and strengthen the competitiveness of Europe’s financial centres. These priorities have also featured prominently in discussions at previous annual meetings.
The working session took place at Stein Egerta in Schaan, where the visiting ministers were also given a guided tour. Following the meeting, the Hereditary Prince received the participants at Vaduz Castle.
The meeting of finance ministers from German-speaking countries is held annually and serves as an established forum for discussing shared financial and economic priorities. At the conclusion of this year’s gathering, Karin Keller-Sutter invited her counterparts to attend the next meeting in Switzerland.
Aleksei Andrievskii | Advisory Board Member, Bendura Bank AG | Liechtenstein