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Day: 14 March 2022

Monaco Boost now open to entrepreneurial spouses

by: Cassandra Tanti
14/03/2022

The government-backed business incubator Monaco Boost has put out its latest call for applications, and this time spouses of Monegasque nationals are allowed to apply.

Monaco Boost was launched by the Prince’s Government early 2021 to support emerging Monegasque companies through a workspace and various incubator advantages such as networking, meetings, workshops and training on various topics related to the world of business.

On Monday 14th March, it launched a 4th call for applications, as published in the Journal de Monaco on Friday 11th March 2022, but the scope of applicable start-ups has been widened.

“This call is now open to Monegasque spouses wishing to create a new activity. They will therefore be able to benefit from a workspace and all the advantages of the incubator for a maximum period of three years, the conditions for candidates of Monegasque nationality remaining unchanged,” said the government in a statement.

Interested persons must submit an application file before 22nd April 2022. The applications will then be examined by a committee chaired by Minister of Finance and Economy Jean Castellini and composed of National Council, Administration and Monaco Boost representatives.

Monaco Boost is currently supporting 26 activities.

 

 

Photo by Stéphane Danna, Government Communication Department

 

 

 

Looking at Monaco with ‘Ma Vie en Rose’ coloured glasses

by: Stephanie Horsman
14/03/2022

The Monte-Carlo Société des Bains de Mer is marking the return of spring with two months of celebratory events under the theme ‘My Life in Pink’.

Spring is about to be sprung and people everywhere are coming out of their winter cocoons, ready to head outdoors to enjoy all that this season of beauty and rebirth has to offer.

The Monte-Carlo Société des Bains de Mer (SBM) is no exception, and they have put together a roster of creative, musical, gastronomic and festive experiences from 8th March to 8th May, calling it Ma Vie en Rose(My Life in Pink) after the song made famous by legendary French singer Edith Piaf.

Amongst the highlights are an artistic exhibit from 8th March entitled ‘Rose is Art’.  Imagined by Eva Dmitrenko and Céline Pagès, young artists from the Pavillon Bosio Art School, ‘Roses of the Winds’ will bloom from the Hotel Hermitage to One Monte-Carlo and in the Jardins des Boulingrins and as far as the Allée François Blanc.

The patio of the Hôtel de Paris will be covered in sweet-smelling magnolias and a Ma Vie en Rose selfie spot will be set up in the atrium of the Casino.

Next up will be a delight made more for the palate than the olfactory. Michelin-star Chef Marcel Ravin will host the ‘Rose is the Future’ Grand Dinner on 30th April at the Monte-Carlo Bay Hotel & Resort. The evening promises to combine “joie de vivre and modernity for a totally extraordinary evening.

Not to be outdone, the Hôtel Hermitage will be putting on a ‘Rose is Rosé’ event on 7th May. This wine tasting conference, sponsored by Moët & Hennessey-LMVH, will feature wines from top wine makers such as Château d’Esclans, Garrus, Château du Galoupet, Le Chant des Cigales, and Armand de Brignac champagne.

For the festive touch, from 8th March, there’s the ‘Rose is White’ at the Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo which will celebrate Marie Blanc, the great designer. During this “pink period”, the Bar Américain will celebrate in images and music of great women.

Music and the arts will also be honoured at the Hôtel Hermitage Monte-Carlo where they will welcome musicians and the public to the Printemps des Arts at the Crystal Bar for intimate musical after-parties. On 3rd April, after a concert by Renaud Capuçon in the afternoon, a dinner will be given in the Salle Belle Epoque, punctuated by musical interludes by the artists present.

On 7th May, burlesque star Dita Von Teese will perform her latest revue, Glamonatrix, taking the public on a journey to the erotic at the Opéra Garnier.

The fun doesn’t end there. There are several other events planned, such as magic workshops for kids every Saturday during the period at the Monte Carlo Bay Hotel & Resort, Sunday Brunch and The Kids Room at Hôtel Hermitage every Sunday, plus tennis lessons with pro players, Padel tennis, Easter egg hunts, and Earth Hour on the Place du Casino.

Finally, a ‘Ma Vie en Rose Grand Game’ will be organised at the Casino de Monte-Carlo and the Casino Café de Paris for all members of the loyalty program My Monte-Carlo with more than 40 prizes to be won with a total value of €30,000 euros.

 

 

Photo source: Monte-Carlo SBM

 

 

 

 

“Blue” finance and ocean conservation on agenda in Monaco

by: Stephanie Horsman
14/03/2022

The 13th edition of the Monaco Blue Initiative will be held this month, gathering prominent actors and decision-makers in ocean sustainable management and conservation efforts over the course of a packed full day agenda. 

The Monaco Blue Initiative, launched in 2010 by Prince Albert II and co-organised by the Oceanographic Institute, the Prince Albert II Foundation and the Prince Albert I Foundation, is a platform for debate that brings major players in ocean conservation and governance to “reflect on the key challenges facing our future ocean”.

Representatives of Governments, international organisations, civil society, NGOs, the private sector, the scientific community, and the media meet every year to explore and promote synergies between the protection of the marine environment and the development of a sustainable blue economy.

This year’s agenda has several themes including a call out for conservation for the next decade, ocean protection through capitalising on good practices and success stories within the blue economy, and broadening the scope of “blue” financing to transition to a positive economy for the seas.

The results and recommendations of the Monaco Blue Initiative are brought to high-level international discussions and negotiations on ocean protection and governance, such as the Convention on Biological Diversity, the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, the negotiations on Marine Biodiversity in Areas beyond National Jurisdiction and the International Marine Protected Areas Congress.

“To be truly aware of our relationship with the Ocean and to hope to change it, we need to see how we act vis-à-vis the seas,” says Prince Albert II on the event’s website. “This is the whole point of the Monaco Blue Initiative. Engage all the players involved in dialogue, so that we can gain a better understanding of the issues that link the seas and humanity. This is how we will be able to place the Ocean at the heart of our development paradigm.”

The Monaco Blue Initiative is being held on 21st March and is part of Monaco Ocean Week.

 

 

 

Photo source: Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation

 

 

 

Exhibit on sport in the time of Albert I

by: Stephanie Horsman
14/03/2022

As the 100th anniversary marking the death of Prince Albert I gets underway, the Monaco Media Library is hosting an exhibition featuring sport during the time of his reign.

La Belle Époque usually conjures up images of impressive architecture, men in top hats, women in enormous bustles, and a flourishing of art and culture, but there was a decidedly sporty aspect to this period as well.

It was the era that saw the rise in cycling as a casual sports endeavour, as well as tennis, skiing, sailing and golf amongst others.

It was a prosperous time, marked by regional peace, economic prosperity and innovations in the fields of science, technology and culture. It gave many people, perhaps for the first time ever, the leisure time to pursue fun rather than focusing on hand-to-mouth existence and have fun they did.

In Monaco, Prince Albert I was a man of his time, and the Monaco Media Library has gathered together photos, documents, press clipping, posters lithographs and the like to create an exhibit featuring the pastimes of the people of the Principality during this epoch.

Called ‘La Belle Epoque sportive: influence and innovations under the reign of Albert I’, the show is a testament to the development of sport in Monaco throughout this period as well as the country’s contribution in the creation of major international competitions.

The exhibition is a can’t miss for fans of both the sporting world and the Belle Époque. It runs from 15thMarch to 10th April at the Salle d’Exposition du Antoine 1er, with guided tours available with reservation on Saturdays and without on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays at 2pm and 3:15pm. The site is open Tuesdays to Sundays from 1pm to 7pm.

 

 

 

Chronically inconsistent Monaco slump to Strasbourg defeat

by: Luke Entwistle
14/03/2022

Little fight was shown from AS Monaco as they succumbed to back-to-back defeats in Strasbourg (1-0) in what was a fitting illustration of two sides whose seasons are following contrasting trajectories.

Monaco had little time to prepare for Sunday’s crucial clash of European contenders having played in Portugal less than 72 hours before. Tinkering on the edge of a Europa League exit, Monaco’s latest defeat adds to a growing body of evidence that suggests that Philippe Clement’s side needn’t worry about such a congested fixture list next season, with the prospect of European football looking evermore remote.

The contrast in the Meinau Stadium was clear for all to see. Whilst Strasbourg ended an unwanted three-game streak without a win, Monaco’s dour run continued, with only one win in their last seven in all competitions.

Whereas Strasbourg are exceeding expectations and find themselves only three-points off the podium, Monaco are falling drastically short of theirs. Subsequently, those tapered expectations are forcing a re-evaluation of what is possible between now and the end of the season, at least within the fan-base. Those changing, ever-less ambitious objectives are now likely set on securing a position in any European competition, although even the Europa Conference remains out of reach for now (6 points).

Clement’s men have been floundering in recent weeks, and although they have often pulled out big performances in the big fixtures, there has been a correlation between an increasing pressure to keep in the chase for the European spots, and a decrease in performance. Thus far, Clement has been unwilling to criticise his players, although that changed post-match on Sunday.

“It’s the first time the team has disappointed me,” he said. “The attitude of not fighting makes it impossible to win against a team with a good mentality. I was disappointed today, angry.”

Monaco went behind midway through the first half from a corner that never should have been, as the ball had already gone out before the touch from Ismail Jakobs. Nonetheless, the goal itself was a portrait of a side that wasn’t at the races as Ludovic Ajorque and Kevin Gameiro both won headers before Alexander Djiku finished spectacularly with an overhead kick.

Ajorque was a menace for the Monaco defence all afternoon and his horizontal, untracked runs allowed him to get into dangerous positions. His second-half header was the closest Strasbourg got to doubling the lead, as it clipped the top of the bar on the way over.

Monaco dominated large swathes of the match. As in recent matches however, it was a largely sterile possessional domination. Jean Lucas almost levelled the scores midway through the first-half, an outstretched Lucas Perrin leg enough to divert the ball away from danger.

Substitute Myron Boadu then had a golden chance late-on, but his glancing header from a whipped Vanderson delivery bounced just wide. Defeat leaves Monaco in eighth, above Lens and Lyon only on goal-difference.

Post-match Clement said, “I want a reaction from my team against Braga.” If he doesn’t get it, Monaco will be left fighting for scraps for the remainder of the season.

 

 

 

Photo source: AS Monaco football club

 

 

 

Roca Team finding rhythm

by: Luke Entwistle
14/03/2022

AS Monaco Basketball backed up Friday’s win against reigning Euroleague champions Anadolu Efes with a battling victory against Roanne (86-80) on Sunday, solidifying their play-off credentials.

Throughout large parts of the season, Monaco have struggled to back up big wins in the Euroleague with victories against domestic opposition. This has, however, become less of an issue in recent weeks, and Sasa Obradovic praised his sides mentality post-match.

“After a big match of very strong emotions, like against Anadolu Efes, we have a strong sense of emptiness. It’s difficult to remobilise, and we often lose this kind of match. This time we knew how to change our attitude at half-time and refind a level worthy of a Euroleague team.”

Following a difficult first-quarter in which Roanne took an early lead (22-30), Monaco immediately went about reversing that deficit. Thanks to a Dwayne Bacon three-pointer on the buzzer, the Roca Team went into the break with a slender advantage (52-49).

The second-half was a more defensive affair as the home side once again exhibited their much-improved game management to win both quarters, albeit by a tight margin.

That mental fatigue, which is often crippling following a big European win, is being alleviated by some clever squad rotation by Obradovic. Once again, many big stars such as Mike James and Donatas Motiejunas were absent, but those who are coming into the side are making their presence felt.

Bacon, who Obradovic believes is more suited to the European game, was once again prominent (15 points), prompting the Serbian manager to laud his American star with high praise. “Of all the players I have coached, he is the strongest offensively.”

Rob Gray who didn’t feature at all on Friday also had a positive impact on his return to the side (13), and as did Paris Lee (13), who understandably featured more prominently in the absence of James.

Despite a solid team performance, Roanne ran Monaco close, only six-points separating the sides at the final buzzer (86-80). Obradovic, however, believes that a tight game, albeit more physically draining, serves a positive psychological purpose.

“It’s not bad to win this way, a testing, painful way. It teaches us not to rest on our laurels and to work on our weaknesses.”

Monaco next face Strasbourg at the Salle Gaston Medecin on Wednesday before a four-day break thanks to the cancelled Euroleague fixture against CSKA Moscow.

 

 

Photo source: AS Monaco Basketball