Border guidance between Vorarlberg and Liechtenstein unanimously decided!

Border guidance between Vorarlberg and Liechtenstein unanimously decided!

Egelsee, Vorarlberg, Österreich - On March 27, 2025, the Austrian National Council unanimously approved the straightening of the border in the Egelsee between Vorarlberg and Liechtenstein. This decision aims to adapt the irregular border and affects an area of 239 square meters each, which is exchanged between the two countries. The discussions in parliament were previously intense, but the approval of the MPs was clear.

The FPÖ MP Gernot Darmann expressed criticism on the importance of this decision, while SPÖ MP Jörg Leichtfried emphasized the relevance of the border control and the length of the affected border of 35 kilometers. This border guards are not only a technical detail, but also has a deeper impact on the relationship between the two neighboring countries.

background of the border change

The original Egelsee was drained at the beginning of the 19th century. Between 2011 and 2013, a new retention pond on the Esche, the Grenzbach, was created. This new pond has now not only established itself as an important part of flood protection, but has also developed into a biotope. Various bird species and a beaver were spotted in the new waters that inhabit the ecologically relevant environment.

Although the border course has so far remained unchanged, this led to a zigzag course through the water, which has caused a confusion in the past. The Vorarlberg state parliament had already agreed to change the border in June of the previous year, which created the legal basis for the planned adaptation. To make this possible, a change from the 1968 Constitutional Act was required, which regulates the border with Liechtenstein.

legal bases

The adaptation also illustrates the relevance of international regulations. The Helsinki rules that apply to all cross-border catchment areas emphasize the law of adjacent states in a fair proportion of water resources. These rules take into account numerous factors, including geography and hydrology of the catchment area as well as the economic and social needs of the neighboring countries. You oblige all resident states to observe sustainable practices when dealing with joint water resources.

In addition, the Helsinki rules contain recommendations for setting up disputes about the use of such watercourses. A crucial element of these regulations is the protection of water resources from pollution, which is particularly relevant to international relationships in Współczesnych.

The agreement of the National Council to straighten the border in the Egelsee may look like a technical concern at first glance, but represents a significant step in cross -border cooperation between Austria and Liechtenstein, which meets both ecological and legal challenges.