From 9 to 13 November 2026, a review of the implementation and application of the common Schengen rules is taking place in Liechtenstein. The evaluation is being carried out under the European Union’s Schengen evaluation and monitoring mechanism. Experts from the Schengen States are conducting the evaluation, which is coordinated by the European Commission. It is part of the multiannual evaluation programme 2023–2029, under which Germany, Belgium, and the Netherlands are also scheduled for evaluation in 2026 alongside Liechtenstein. Liechtenstein’s implementation of the rules was last evaluated in 2020.

Further developing quality and cooperation

The evaluation serves to ensure quality and continuously improve cooperation between the Schengen States. Minister of Home Affairs Hubert Büchel welcomed the delegation on Monday, 9 November 2026, at the start of the evaluation week. In his welcoming remarks, he emphasised the importance of these regular reviews: “The evaluation is an important instrument for maintaining mutual trust, strengthening security, and safeguarding one of Europe’s most important achievements: an area of freedom, security, and justice.”

15 years of participation in the Schengen area

Liechtenstein has been a fully associated member of Schengen and Dublin since 19 December 2011 and is celebrating the 15th anniversary of its participation in the Schengen area this year. For Liechtenstein, as a small landlocked state, participation is of particular importance in terms of both sovereignty and security policy. It brings advantages in the free movement of persons, in police cooperation through the connection to European security and information systems, and in asylum procedures through clear rules on responsibility.

The Government attaches great importance to close cooperation in the Schengen area and regards the evaluation as a valuable opportunity to further develop common standards and strengthen mutual trust.