AGP Executive Report

India–Nordics Wrap-Up: Narendra Modi’s European tour ends in Oslo with a new “green strategic partnership” and a big push on tech, research and clean energy—though the trip’s optics were briefly overshadowed by a controversial moment that reignited questions about how the West views India. EU/EEA Military Mobility: Norway is pressing to be included in the EU’s plan to speed cross-border troop and equipment movement in crises, arguing the EEA link (including Liechtenstein) should cover fast, safe logistics. Health Watch: New ECDC data shows record-high STIs across Europe, with England flagged as likely worst-hit by volume—raising pressure on prevention and treatment. Liechtenstein Finance: Vaduz hosted Finance Forum Liechtenstein, where PM Brigitte Haas stressed stability and continuity as global rules and markets keep shifting. Travel Rules: Thailand has cut visa-free stays back to 30 days for most countries after the 60-day scheme was blamed for overstays and security concerns. Pharma Deal: Merck’s KEYTRUDA plus Padcev gained a positive EMA recommendation for certain bladder cancer patients, while SERB agreed to acquire Idefirix rights for €115m across Europe and beyond.

STI Surge in Europe: New ECDC figures show record-high sexually transmitted infections across Europe, with England flagged as the worst-hit country for sheer volume of chlamydia, gonorrhoea and syphilis—plus a worrying rise in congenital syphilis. UK Migration Shift: At the same time, UK net migration has nearly halved to an estimated 171,000, the lowest since early 2021, as fewer non-EU arrivals drive the drop. Liechtenstein in the Mix: Liechtenstein is included in the ECDC’s wider European STI snapshot, while the principality’s PM Brigitte Haas tells finance leaders that stability is the priority as global change accelerates. Regional Travel Rules: Thailand is rolling back its 60-day visa-free scheme to 30 days for most countries, tightening entry for travellers from 93 places. Business & Diplomacy: In Oslo, India’s Modi is pushing a Nordic “green” partnership—clean energy, blue economy and green shipping—while Liechtenstein’s neighbours keep coordinating on shared European responses to global crises.

Public Health Alarm: Europe’s STI surge is getting sharper, with new ECDC data pointing to England as the worst-hit country for syphilis, chlamydia and gonorrhoea, and experts warning some infections can cause life-long harm. Local Spotlight: Liechtenstein is named in the same EU+EFTA reporting set, underscoring how cross-border health trends are now part of everyday policy talk. Finance Forum: In Vaduz, Prime Minister Brigitte Haas told finance leaders that stability must come first as global change accelerates, with more than 450 decision-makers discussing regulation, markets and talent. Migration & Housing: UK hotel use for asylum seekers fell 35% year-on-year, while net migration dropped to 171,000—the lowest since the Covid era. Cross-Border Business: Foreign investment in Switzerland slid to 84 projects in 2025, down nearly a quarter, as uncertainty bites. Travel & Tech: The UK is also rolling out e-gate access changes aimed at cutting airport queues.

UK Border Boost: The UK is expanding eGates to speed up airport queues this summer, with new rules allowing more travellers—including children from age eight—to use automated passport gates, while Americans can use the same system to avoid long waits at busy airports. India–Nordics Push: In Oslo, Narendra Modi is turning the India–Nordic relationship into a bigger, greener and more strategic project—meeting Iceland, Finland and Denmark ahead of the summit and backing a formal “green technology” partnership that links Nordic clean-energy and maritime know-how with India’s scale and talent. Green Hydrogen in Kazakhstan: Kazakhstan has launched its first full-cycle green hydrogen pilot complex in Atyrau, using solar power to split water and testing storage and transport. Pharma Deal: SERB is set to buy Idefirix rights from Hansa Biopharma for €115m, covering EU, UK, Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Norway, Iceland and MENA. Local Context: Liechtenstein’s name keeps appearing in cross-border trade and tech frameworks, from EFTA ties to pharma licensing.

EU-Linked Security Shift: Switzerland’s defence minister Martin Pfister says Bern is “ready to take responsibility” for its own security while meeting European expectations, as the country plans to lift defence spending toward 1% of GDP by 2032 and admits air-defence gaps still need closing. Travel Rules Tighten: Thailand is rolling back visa-free stays for most nationalities from 60 days to 30, with enforcement set to start 15 days after official publication—an immediate hit for travellers from 93 countries, including many with British passports. Biotech Deal With Liechtenstein in Scope: SERB Pharmaceuticals will buy exclusive Idefirix (imlifidase) rights from Hansa Biopharma for €115m, covering the EU plus Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Norway, Iceland, the UK and MENA, with closing expected within 60 days. Nordic-India Push: In Oslo, PM Narendra Modi is advancing a “green strategic partnership” with Norway and expanding India’s Nordic ties around clean energy, tech and sustainability. Local Angle: Liechtenstein’s presence shows up in the Idefirix licensing map, while the week’s broader EU-policy debate continues to frame Swiss-Liechtenstein regional positioning.

India–Nordics Summit: Prime Minister Narendra Modi is in Oslo pushing a deeper tech-and-trade partnership, saying Nordic investment in India has jumped about 200% in a decade and announcing a formal Green Technology and Innovation Strategic Partnership linking Iceland’s geothermal and fisheries, Norway’s blue economy and Arctic know-how, and wider Nordic strengths in maritime and sustainability to India’s workforce and innovation. Energy & geopolitics: Norway and India also agreed a “green strategic partnership” aimed at clean-energy transition and climate resilience, with both leaders stressing rules-based diplomacy amid conflicts in Ukraine and West Asia. Pharma deal with Liechtenstein in scope: In business news, SERB will buy Idefirix (imlifidase) rights from Hansa for €115 million, covering the EU, UK, Switzerland, Norway, Liechtenstein, Iceland and MENA. Russia accountability: Meanwhile, 36 countries backed a special tribunal for the crime of aggression against Ukraine, with the push framed as a “point of no return.”

India-Nordic Summit: Prime Minister Narendra Modi wrapped up a high-profile push in Oslo with Nordic leaders, pitching “democracy, rule of law” as the glue for deeper ties and unveiling a Green Strategic Partnership focused on clean energy, climate resilience, the blue economy and green shipping. Local Business & Regulation: Ahead of the main summit, Modi met Iceland, Finland and Denmark and also heard Norwegian firms ask for smoother approvals and “ground level” regulatory fixes to make it easier to invest and operate. Energy Security Backdrop: The talks come as India tries to reduce supply shocks after disruptions around the Strait of Hormuz, while Norway leans on mostly renewable power. EU–Swiss Tensions: In parallel, Brussels defended its steel tariff approach against Swiss criticism, saying the Swiss-EU declaration doesn’t block EU action outside the covered package. Health & Trade: SERB agreed to buy European and MENA rights to Idefirix for €115m, aiming to expand access ahead of kidney transplant needs. Mobility Watch: The UAE passport stayed top for the eighth straight year, while the UK is set to let children aged eight and nine use e-gates from July 8.

Pharma Deal: SERB Pharmaceuticals is buying Idefirix® (imlifidase) rights from Hansa Biopharma for €115 million, securing exclusive development and commercialisation across the EU, UK, Switzerland, Norway, Liechtenstein and the wider MENA region—aimed at helping highly sensitised kidney-transplant patients who face long waits. Green Diplomacy: In Oslo, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Norway’s Jonas Gahr Støre unveiled a “Green Strategic Partnership” spanning clean energy, climate resilience, blue economy and green shipping, with both sides pushing to double trade by 2030. EU Trade Tensions: The European Commission rejected Swiss criticism over steel tariffs, arguing the EU can make autonomous decisions outside the Swiss-EU stabilisation package. Justice Track: More than a week of momentum continues behind a Special Tribunal for Russia’s aggression against Ukraine, with European support building toward a legal process in The Hague. Border Convenience: UK airports are expanding e-gates for children from 8 July, allowing ages eight and nine (with conditions) to cut summer passport queues.

India–Norway Green Push: Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Norway’s Jonas Gahr Støre unveiled a “Green Strategic Partnership” in Oslo, spanning clean energy, climate resilience, the blue economy and green shipping, with both sides aiming to double trade by 2030 and highlighting the India–EFTA TEPA deal already in force. EU–Switzerland Steel Clash: The European Commission rejected Swiss Economy Minister Guy Parmelin’s criticism of new EU steel tariffs, saying the Swiss-EU stabilisation declaration doesn’t block EU action outside the covered areas. Ukraine Tribunal Momentum: European countries backed a Special Tribunal for Russia’s aggression, with 34 of 46 Council of Europe states signaling intent to join the enlarged partial agreement in Chisinau. UK Border Change: From July 8, children aged eight and nine (at least 120cm tall, with an adult) can use UK e-gates, potentially easing summer queues for up to 1.5 million more kids. Liechtenstein Angle: A new PESTEL-style look at Liechtenstein’s banking “external environment” adds context as the country sits inside the India–EFTA TEPA framework.

Modi’s Nordic push: Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Norway for talks expected to focus on trade and energy, including progress on the India–EFTA Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement (TEPA) that took effect in October 2025 with Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland, plus discussions on Ukraine, Iran and Gaza. UK travel shake-up: From July 8, UK airports will let children aged eight and nine use passport e-gates, cutting queues for families—provided they’re at least 120cm tall and travel with an adult. Ukraine tribunal momentum: Georgia stayed out of the Special Tribunal for Russia’s aggression, while 36 countries backed the “point of no return” push toward a Hague-based court; Liechtenstein is among participating states. Local business spotlight: LGT has named a new Thailand wealth business chief executive, underscoring Thailand’s growing pull for private banking. Clean energy capital: Lightrock launched a $500m fund targeting growth-stage clean energy firms across Africa and Asia.

Diplomacy & Energy: Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Nordic visit is set to put trade and energy supplies at the top of the agenda as he meets Norway’s leaders and pushes forward the India–EFTA Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement (TEPA), now in force since October 2025, with new business talks and technology cooperation expected. Border Rules: The UK is rolling out a major airport change from July 8, letting children aged eight and nine use passport e-gates (with an adult and a minimum height of 120cm) to cut summer queues, with the government estimating up to 1.5 million extra children affected. Ukraine Accountability: Georgia stayed out of the Special Tribunal process for Russia’s aggression, while 36 countries—mostly European—continue moving the tribunal toward reality in The Hague, with Liechtenstein among the participating states. Local Finance: LGT has appointed a new Thailand wealth business chief executive, underscoring the bank’s growing focus on Southeast Asia. Scandal Watch (Maltese sport): Court filings in Malta point to an ambassador nominee’s partner as the alleged source behind leaked recordings targeting a public official.

UK Border Update: The UK Home Office says passport e-gates will open to children aged eight and nine from 8 July, cutting summer queue pressure for families. Kids must be at least 120cm tall, be accompanied by an adult, and use biometric e-gates at 13 UK airports plus ports in Brussels and Paris. The government estimates the change could let up to 1.5 million more children use the faster automated checks each year. International Justice: In parallel, the push for a Special Tribunal over Russia’s aggression against Ukraine keeps expanding: Georgia refused to join, while 36 countries backed the tribunal’s “point of no return” push earlier this month. Local Finance Spotlight: Closer to home, LGT has named a new Thailand wealth business chief executive, underscoring how Liechtenstein-headquartered finance keeps tightening its grip on Asia’s private wealth market.

Georgian Politics: Strong Georgia – Lelo’s foreign secretary Grigol Gegelia says Maka Botchorishvili’s explanation for why Georgia won’t join a special tribunal is proof the “Georgian Dream” regime can’t act independently, accusing it of “trading in values” and aligning with Russian interests. International Justice: The push for a Special Tribunal over Russia’s crime of aggression keeps gaining momentum: 36 countries have signed on, with the Hague set as the base, and Ukraine’s foreign minister calls it a “point of no return” even as limits on bringing Vladimir Putin to justice remain. UK Travel Rules: From 8 July, the UK will let children aged eight and nine use passport e-gates when returning from abroad—cutting queues for families, with a 120cm height requirement and adult accompaniment. Wealth & Business: LGT has named a new Thailand wealth chief executive, underlining Thailand’s growing role in private banking.

International Justice Push: Thirty-six countries—mostly European—have signed up to a special tribunal in The Hague to prosecute Vladimir Putin for the crime of aggression against Ukraine, with Ukraine’s foreign minister calling it a “point of no return,” though the court’s reach will still be limited. UK Border Relief: From 8 July, children aged eight and nine (at least 120cm tall, travelling with an adult) will be allowed to use UK passport e-gates, potentially cutting summer queue pressure for up to 1.5 million more youngsters. Energy & Diplomacy: India’s PM Narendra Modi starts a six-day trip beginning in the UAE, with talks expected to focus on energy security and new LPG and strategic petroleum reserve pacts. Clean Energy Investment: Lightrock launched a $500m fund backing growth-stage clean energy firms across Africa and Asia, with major energy investors involved. Wealth Management Move: LGT has appointed a new Thailand wealth business chief executive, signaling continued growth focus in Southeast Asia.

Special Tribunal Push: Thirty-six countries have signed on to a special tribunal in The Hague to prosecute Vladimir Putin for the crime of aggression against Ukraine, with Ukraine’s foreign minister calling it a “point of no return” as ministers set up the tribunal’s management committee and rules. UK Border Changes: From 8 July, children aged eight and nine (at least 120cm tall, travelling with an adult) will be allowed to use UK passport e-gates, aiming to cut summer queues for up to 1.5 million extra children. Wealth & Business: LGT has appointed Anchalee Bunsongsikul as CEO of LGT Securities (Thailand), underlining Thailand’s growing role for private banking in Asia. Energy & Investment: Lightrock launched a $500m clean energy fund for growth-stage firms expanding affordable power across Africa and Asia. Health: The EU approved an expanded use of Pfizer’s HYMPAVZI for older hemophilia patients with inhibitors. Diplomacy Watch: PM Modi begins a six-day tour of the UAE and Europe focused on energy security and trade.

UK Border Update: From 8 July, UK airports will let children aged eight and nine use passport e-gates when returning from abroad, cutting the current minimum age and allowing up to 1.5 million more youngsters to avoid slower manual checks; kids must be at least 120cm tall and travel with an adult. Wealth & Banking: Liechtenstein-headquartered LGT has appointed Anchalee Bunsongsikul as CEO of LGT Securities (Thailand), underlining Thailand’s growing importance for the group’s Asia-Pacific expansion. International Justice: Denmark has joined the Special Tribunal for the crime of Russian aggression against Ukraine, taking participation to 34, with the EU also moving to join the tribunal’s management framework. Politics & Courts: Ukraine’s former top presidential aide Andriy Yermak has been placed in custody for two months in a major corruption case. Regional Funding: Romania is set to receive nearly EUR 600 million from the next EEA and Norway Grants cycle, with Liechtenstein among the partners.