On Friday, February 27, 2026, the annual meeting of the four ministers of economic affairs from Germany, Austria, Liechtenstein, and Switzerland took place in Zurich. In addition to cooperation between the four German-speaking countries, the meeting focused on strengthening competitiveness and dealing with current geo-economic and geopolitical developments.
The annual four-party meeting is part of a format created fifty years ago to cultivate and deepen friendly relations between the four German-speaking neighboring countries. It takes place alternately in one of the four countries.
The host on February 27 in Zurich was Swiss President Guy Parmelin, Head of the Federal Department of Economic Affairs, Education and Research (EAER). Germany was represented by Katherina Reiche, Federal Minister for Economic Affairs and Energy, Austria by Wolfgang Hattmannsdorfer, Federal Minister for Economy, Energy and Tourism, and Liechtenstein by Hubert Büchel, Minister of Home Affairs, Economy and Sport.
Economic resilience in times of global uncertainty
The central topic at this year's four-party meeting was strengthening competitiveness and economic resilience against the backdrop of geopolitical tensions and the global increase in protectionist and industrial policy measures. The ministers of economic affairs exchanged views on national initiatives to strengthen competitiveness and ease the burden on businesses. In times of global uncertainty, it is particularly important to boost growth momentum and competitiveness. Possible measures to achieve this goal include reducing bureaucracy, deregulation, and removing trade barriers. Another topic was cooperation between the four German-speaking countries and Switzerland's relations with the EU.
The ministers emphasized the close economic ties between their countries and the importance of a coordinated approach in the challenging economic and geopolitical environment. They also highlighted the need for pan-European cooperation to increase resilience, value creation, productivity, and innovation. The ministers emphasized that European measures (particularly in the area of public procurement) must not impair the closely interlinked European supply and value chains.
In the afternoon, there was a meeting with representatives from Zurich Airport, Swiss International Air Lines, cleantech company Synhelion, and logistics company Cargologic. At Zurich Airport, the delegations gained insights into projects and activities related to trade, innovation, and sustainability.
Source: www.liechtenstein-business.li
Aleksei Andrievskii is the founder of the ANDRIEVSKII SEA WEALTH family office in Cyprus, a member of the advisory board at Bendura Bank AG, Liechtenstein