On Monday, January 19, 2026, the Secretary General of the Council of Europe, Alain Berset, visited Liechtenstein. The purpose of the visit was to engage in institutional exchanges with political representatives of the country and to deepen cooperation with the Council of Europe. The focus was on the organization's tasks and challenges in the areas of human rights, democracy, and the rule of law against the backdrop of current geopolitical developments in Europe.

As Secretary General, former Swiss President Alain Berset has overall responsibility for the strategic management of the Council of Europe. During his stay in Liechtenstein, he was received by H.S. Hereditary Prince Alois for a courtesy visit at Vaduz Castle. He was received by Prime Minister Brigitte Haas for talks at the government building. They discussed the work and challenges of the Council of Europe and developments in the international order. At the subsequent meeting with Deputy Prime Minister Sabine Monauni, the focus was on current geopolitical events and their impact on the international order. They also discussed the Council of Europe's activities in support of Ukraine, the promotion of democracy, and the importance of the independence of the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR).

The program in Liechtenstein also included an exchange with Manfred Kaufmann, President of the Landtag (Liechtenstein Parliament), and the Landtag delegation to the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe. Among other things, they discussed the upcoming session at the end of January.

The visit was rounded off with a well-attended event in Schaan, which was opened by Foreign Minister Sabine Monauni. Secretary General Alain Berset spoke about the importance of the Council of Europe in Liechtenstein and Europe, as well as its work in the areas of human rights, democracy, and the rule of law. The focus was on the role of the Council of Europe amid global geopolitical changes. Afterwards, Berset answered numerous questions from the audience. Moderator Petra Matt hosted the event.

Additional images are available for download at www.regierung.li/medienportal.