Exhibition “100 years of the Switzerland Liechtenstein customs treaty”
On 29 March 1923, Switzerland and Liechtenstein signed a landmark customs treaty, integrating Liechtenstein into the Swiss economic area and ending its isolation. The joint exhibition examines the historical significance and multifaceted relations between the two countries. Access to in-depth documents from the “Diplomatic Documents of Switzerland” enhances the exhibition.
On 29 March 1923, Switzerland and Liechtenstein signed a treaty that was a landmark for Liechtenstein; it came into force on 1 January 1924.
The customs treaty integrated Liechtenstein into the Swiss economic area and freed it from economic isolation. It was thus a “customs union treaty”, as it was officially referred to in the treaty. Colloquially, the simpler term “customs treaty” became common relatively early on, which is why it is used in the exhibition.
By entering into the customs treaty, Liechtenstein relinquished part of its sovereignty. It had to adopt all Swiss laws relating to the customs treaty. Only a few years after the treaty came into force, Liechtenstein felt that the anticipated economic improvement had materialised.
By agreeing to the customs treaty, Switzerland helped the economically beleaguered small state. However, it also had vested interests in helping its neighbour.
The Liechtenstein NationalMuseum in Vaduz and the Swiss Customs Museum in Gandria are celebrating the 100th anniversary with a joint exhibition. The exhibition not only shows the background and history of the customs treaty, but also illustrates many different aspects of relations between Switzerland and Liechtenstein. The Swiss research centre “Diplomatic Documents of Switzerland” (Dodis) provides access to in-depth documents in the exhibition.