Frommelt, Christian (2016): Liechtenstein’s tailor-made arrangements in the EEA: A small state’s creative solutions in European integration (Preprint). In: Sebastian Wolf (Hg.): State size matters. Politik und Recht im Kontext von Kleinstaatlichkeit und Monarchie. Wiesbaden: Springer VS, S. 131-162.

Abstract

Despite its smallness, Liechtenstein is deeply embedded in European integration. It is a full member of the European Economic Area (EEA) and the Schengen Area. As such, it is equally represented in the respective institutions and procedures and has to comply with the same legal obligations as the other member states which have at least ten times the population of Liechtenstein. Nevertheless, the evaluation of Liechtenstein’s EEA membership is mostly positive and there are no longer any doubts that an EEA membership is feasible for Liechtenstein. This chapter describes how Liechtenstein administrates its EEA membership by taking a closer look on its administrative resources, procedures, and autonomy. I argue that a very small state like Liechtenstein may have little human resources but due to efficient procedure of the public administration and a high autonomy Liechtenstein can still ensure a high degree of compliance with international obligations. On the other hand, the paper also shows that Liechtenstein has strongly benefited from various opt-outs and tailor-made arrangements, which have significantly reduced the number of EU acts that Liechtenstein has to implement into domestic law.