Day: 3 April 2019

The Commission for Franco-Monegasque Cooperation (CCFM) met in Paris on 1 ^st April 2019. Established in its current form by the Treaty adapting and confirming the friendship and cooperation relations between the French Republic and the Principality of Monaco, October 24, 2002, this commission is held annually alternately in Paris and Monaco. It provides a framework for regular consultations between the two countries on topics of national interest in the spirit of their “community of destiny”.

The 11^th meeting of the CCFM was co-chaired by Mr. Maurice Gourdault-Montagne, General Secretary of the Ministry of European and Foreign Affairs and HE. Mr Serge Telle, Minister of State of the Principality of Monaco.

It was held in the presence of His Exc. Mrs Marine de Carné-Trecesson, Ambassador of France to Monaco, HE Most. Ms Sophie Thevenoux, Ambassador, Head of the Mission of Monaco to the European Union, HE Most. Mr. Christophe Steiner, Ambassador of Monaco in France and the representative of the Prefect of Alpes-Maritimes.

The Monegasque delegation included the members of the Prince’s Government and the collaborators of the ministerial departments concerned. The French delegation consisted of representatives of ministries responsible for monitoring Franco-Monegasque relations.

The agenda included the ongoing negotiation of an association agreement between the Principality of Monaco and the European Union. France and Monaco stressed the need to take into account the specificities of Monaco in the future draft Association Agreement in order to preserve the internal balances of the Principality, as well as their commitment to the respect of a certain number of Franco-European conventions. Monegasques essential to their close cooperation. France reiterated its full support to Monaco for the continuation of these negotiations.

The committee also took note of the reflections carried out within the framework of the local cross-border commission of 11 January 2019 to improve mobility in the Franco-Monegasque basin, in particular the progress of the Beausoleil ramp project and the forthcoming launch of working groups. on housing, telework and sea shuttles.

In terms of health, social security and labor law, Franco-Monegasque cooperation is a key issue.

The committee thus mentioned the coming into force of the two Franco-Monegasque agreements on health security and blood transfusion. The Principality of Monaco has also proposed that its hospital services include medical interns following the French training course as part of “validating” courses.

The Committee also welcomed the forthcoming signing of the Memorandum of Cooperation concerning the granting of the professional health card to Monegasque pharmacists.

In the area of ​​labor law, the difficulties related to the application of the Unemployment Insurance Convention were particularly discussed.

The prospects for a bilateral agreement have been put forward in order to restore the fairness of the rights of the Principality of Monaco’s employees in terms of access to employment aid and the partial activity scheme.

The Commission also discussed the housing conditions of the French people of Monaco.

Transport safety is a common concern. The committee notably tackled the fight against road traffic offenses as well as the safety of the Rainier III tunnel linking the Principality to France. The two countries also welcome the publication of the decree opening the possibility for Monegasque passport holders to benefit from the Rapid Border Crossing (Parafe) scheme.

In the field of education, the committee welcomed the measures adopted by France to prevent Monegasques from paying differentiated university fees in September 2019. The two countries will facilitate the interoperability of their digital applications.

France and the Principality of Monaco, united in the same commitment to environmental issues, spoke about the protection of the oceans and the upcoming deadlines for international negotiations on climate, biodiversity and the Global Environment Pact.

They also spoke about the next ministerial conference of the Francophonie, which will meet in October 2019 in the Principality and will honor the common language of France and the Principality.

The two delegations agreed to hold the next session of the Franco-Monegasque Cooperation Commission in 2020 in Monaco.

Nicolas Grelot has been appointed managing director of the Monaco Marine shipyard in La Ciotat. He was project manager at La Ciotat for six years, before becoming a commercial developer.

“My main goal is to lead every employee to better interact with customers and improve the quality of our services while putting the customer at the heart of our operations,” said the new managing director, who intends to outfit this site with the newest technology.

“We are delighted that Nicolas has accepted this challenge. We believe that he has all the skills required to carry out the necessary changes that we want to make in La Ciotat. His experience, his knowledge of the group and his human qualities will be essential assets to carry out this mission,“ said Tanguy Ducros, the commercial director of the group.

With seven shipyards and marina in Monaco, Monaco Marine maintains nearly 3,000 yachts of all sizes every year. The business is truly a wonderful Monegasque success story!

PBSC Urban Solutions, the leading global provider of sustainable urban mobility solutions, has introduced state-of-the-art electric pedal-assist bikes to the Principality of Monaco after being selected to redesign its current bike-share system.

The BOOST e-bike has been specially selected for its renowned pedal-assist technology that will transport riders with ease as they traverse the Principality’s hilly terrain. With the total roll-out slated at 300 BOOST e-bikes and 35 smart charging stations, the bike-share network will be expanded to encompass the entirety of Monaco.

The existing system will be rebuilt from the ground up, with a completely new technology and re-branding in line with the high standards of Monaco.

The MonaBike system offers several brand-new features to optimise user experience. The mobile app, with real-time mapping of stations and bike rental features, makes it easy for riders to locate and rent the nearest available e-bike.

The new QR code on the e-bike will allow users to rent and return a bike faster through their smartphone.

PBSC will also be offering its unique valet station feature, whereby bikes can be relocated and rented out independently of stations. This feature will be particularly useful in prestigious events host by the city such as the world-famous Formula 1 Grand Prix.

PBSC is working directly with CAM, Compagnie des Autobus de Monaco, to enable residents and commuters to take full advantage of all resources available to them through Monaco’s public transportation network.

The project represents a key part of the Principality’s Smart City program, promoting low-carbon mobility. By the end of the summer, the MonaBike network will be integrated into a multimodal transportation app, encouraging the use of soft and shared mobility.