Does Liechtenstein’s EEA (European Economic Area) membership also strengthen the country’s sovereignty?

Nowadays, the term ‘sovereignty’ has taken on a very broad interpretation. In essence, it applies to a state’s ability to solve those problems that concern it. Since challenges regarding issues such as trade, security or environmental protection rarely exist within the confines of a country’s own borders, national sovereignty is measured not only by whether a state can make autonomous decisions, but the extent to which it is able to participate in the international decisions relevant to it. The access to European institutions that goes hand in hand with EEA membership enhances Liechtenstein’s international recognition and visibility. At the same time, EEA membership represents an obligation for the state to expand its national administration and put more of its own laws in place. In this way, EEA membership contributes to creating an image of Liechtenstein as a country that aims to unite independence and internationalisation in the best possible manner. Moreover, both the economic and administrative sectors benefit from the flow of know-how resulting from the increased exchange within the scope of the EEA.