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Day: 15 July 2024

EU imposes a countervailing tariff on electric car batteries from China

by: Stephanie Horsman
15/07/2024
electric car batteries

The European Union has announced that anti-subsidy duties are being placed on electric car batteries from China after an investigation found that the overseas imports are undercutting similar products manufactured on the continent.  

The EU is hoping that the move will help level the playing field for European manufacturers in the wake of an inquiry identifying an unfair financial advantage among Chinese importers due to their cheaper batteries and larger market share. 

The duties are not across-the-board, with different figures being assigned to different companies. For example, there will be a 17.4% tax on batteries produced by BYD, a 19.9% duty on Geely and a whopping 37.6% tariff on batteries from SAIC. Other manufacturers who submitted data to the EU study will face a tax of 20% on average, while those who didn’t cooperate with the study can expect an imposed duty of 37.6%.  

Tesla’s Elon Musk has asked Brussels to charge a tariff rate based on evidence the company submitted. The carmaker’s Model 3 will be affected by the changes, as will a number of other non-Chinese branded cars made in China, such as Volvo’s EX40 and the electric Mini.  

The provisional tariffs came into force on 5th July and will continue for a maximum of four months while the EU votes on a final decision. If the new rules are passed, the tariffs will remain in effect for a duration of five years.  

Talks have begun between EU Executive Vice-President Valdis Dombrovskis and Chinese Trade Minister Wang Wentao in a bid to come to a solution that is both compatible with World Trade Organisation rules and adequately addresses the EU’s concerns over the cheaper Chinese imports. 

The decision to implement these tariffs is said to have escalated tensions with Beijing, and has split opinions among European carmakers, with Germany, Sweden and Hungary being against the move, but Italy and France favouring the changes.  

Chinese authorities have subtly stated that they may retaliate and have reportedly launched probes into the pork market, with the possibility of other industries being targeted soon. The EU, for its part, has not limited its scope to battery electric vehicles (BEVs), but is also looking into similar proposals for the green tech sector.  

The EU is not the only entity putting a bull’s-eye on Chinese goods. The United States has already raised customs taxes on Chinese e-cars to 100%, and Canada is considering the same.  

Read related:

Prince Albert II takes Tesla’s new Cybertruck on first European test drive

 

Monaco Life is produced by real multi-media journalists writing original content. See more in our free newsletter, follow our Podcasts on Spotify, and check us out on Threads,  Facebook,  Instagram,  LinkedIn and Tik Tok.  

 

Photo source: Ernest Ojeh, Unsplash

Candlelit concerts at the Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild

by: Stephanie Horsman
15/07/2024
Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild

The majestic Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild of Saint Jean Cap Ferrat is throwing open its doors every Monday and Tuesday this summer for a series of spectacular events in its exquisite grounds. Here are some of the highlights. 

Between 15th July and 27th August, the Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild will be the scene of a number of elegant evenings that will make visitors feel like guests of the highest honour.  

Capturing the glamour of days gone by, and reminiscent of the parties thrown by the legendary Baroness Beatrice Ephrussi de Rothschild in the early 20th century, the Nocturnes de la Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild events will be held in the estate’s timelessly romantic gardens between 8pm and midnight each Monday and Tuesday evening.  

A concert by one of the 14 stellar artists lined up by Muriel Mayette-Holtz, the new director of the estate, will be given every 45 minutes. Among those set to perform are Catherine Lara, Lambert Wilson, Bruno Mantovani and Laurent Voulzy.

Guests can choose to enjoy the performances while enjoying a dinner prepared by Chef Aude Filipowski or relax on the grass with a gourmet picnic basket. For drinks, the marble terrace will be transformed into a bar serving fine wines, champagne and elevated cocktails.

Entry to visit the grounds is €35, with a family of four ticket going for €80. The seated dinner experience costs €105, while the al fresco picnic costs €60. Kids under seven enter for free.  

For more information on the events, click here.

Read related:

Concerts at the Prince’s Palace: Classical music nights under a starry sky

 

Monaco Life is produced by real multi-media journalists writing original content. See more in our free newsletter, follow our Podcasts on Spotify, and check us out on Threads,  Facebook,  Instagram,  LinkedIn and Tik Tok.  

 

Photo credit: Studio Bisoli

Herculis EBS Meeting 2024: A pre-Olympic showcase of champions

by: Niki Borisova
15/07/2024

At the end of last week, big-name athletes from the worlds of track and field descended on the Principality for the Herculis EBS Meeting at the Stade Louis II, a key preparatory event and competition showcase ahead of the Olympic Games in Paris later this summer.  

The 2024 Herculis EBS programme on 12th July featured a wide array of men’s and women’s track and field events, from sprints, middle-distance races and hurdles to the pole vault, the triple jump and the javelin throw. 

Grant Holloway, the three-time world champion and the 2022 110m hurdles winner in Monaco, was among the many top-calibre athletes who competed at this year’s event. Though he didn’t beat the all-time Herculis record of 12.92 seconds, set by Aries Merritt in 2012, Holloway came away as the winner once more and clearly enjoyed his time in the Principality.  

“I like the rhythm I had in the race today. I just need to push a bit more to run sub-13 seconds. I was tired after the American trials, they took a lot from me… But I am always ready to run the Monaco race,” he shared.  

In the 200m men’s race, winner Tebogo Letsile, a talented sprinter from Botswana who is equally well-known for his impressive performances in the 400m event, clocked 19.87 seconds this year despite facing significant headwinds.  

In the women’s pole vault category, US Olympic gold medallist and two-time world champion Katie Moon returned to Monaco after missing the event in 2022 and 2023. Moon won with a 4.90m jump in 2021, but faced stiff competition this year. The event was ultimately won by Australian Nina Kennedy, who snatched first place with a 4.88m jump.  

In second was Swiss pole vaulter Angelica Moser, who told Monaco Life, “The competition was great: jumping a national record is always amazing, and here I did it twice. Breaking my personal best by 10cm is just extra special and incredible.” 

Sedjati Djamel, a prominent Algerian middle-distance runner renowned for his competitive performances in the 800m, sealed a win in the event with a time of 1 minute 41.46 seconds and simultaneously broke three records: the national record, the Herculis record and the Diamond League record.  

“It’s the fourth time I have run a World Lead and the second time an Algerian Record. I have worked really hard for that,” said Sedjati.  

Japan’s Haruka Kitaguchi, the reigning world champion, competed in the women’s javelin. Kitaguchi, the Japanese record-holder with a throw of 67.38m, surpassed her season’s best and won with a 65.21m throw.  

For Kitaguchi and many of the 2024 Herculis’ other winners, who were congratulated on their successes personally by Prince Albert II of Monaco, the event provided a valuable opportunity for fine-tuning and assessment ahead of the Olympic Games in Paris. Notable performances were observed in many of the disciplines, underscoring the high level of competition at the Monaco-staged event, setting the stage for what promises to be an exciting Olympic showdown in just a few weeks’ time.

To see some of the action, watch the Monaco Life Instagram reel below:

 

Monaco Life is produced by real multi-media journalists writing original content. See more in our free newsletter, follow our Podcasts on Spotify, and check us out on Threads,  Facebook,  Instagram,  LinkedIn and Tik Tok.  

 

Photo credit: Enrico Bottero

Fall in love with Amù Monte-Carlo

by: Cassandra Tanti
15/07/2024

Get ready to be enchanted by the newest culinary hotspot in the heart of Monte-Carlo. The Fairmont Monte-Carlo has unveiled Amù Monte-Carlo, a beautiful rooftop restaurant that promises to captivate both your heart and palate.

Perched atop the Fairmont Monte-Carlo in the former Horizon Rooftop restaurant, Amù Monte-Carlo offers a blend of French Riviera, Italian, and Mediterranean cuisine, set against stunning views of the Riviera. 

The name Amù, meaning “love” in Monegasque, pays homage to the city’s heritage and captures the romantic essence of the region.

A feast for the senses

Every dish at Amù Monte-Carlo is a journey through flavours, featuring reimagined local favourites with a refined twist. From a classic Niçoise salad and vitello tonnato to linguine alle vongole with confit lemon and the authentic tarte tropézienne, each plate is a delight, balancing tradition with innovation.

Water views abound at Amù Monte-Carlo

Signature cocktails and stunning views

Expert mixologists craft inventive and delicious cocktails to complement the menu’s flavours, all while guests enjoy the panoramic views of Monaco and the Mediterranean Sea. The restaurant’s warm and welcoming atmosphere, with its elegant and romantic decor, embodies the dolce vita vibe, while the chic design and sophisticated outdoor space promise memorable evenings under the stars.

Amù by the Pool

Beyond dining: a complete experience

Just steps away from the restaurant, the Amù by the Pool rooftop pool combines relaxation with gastronomy. With stunning views over the city and the sea, the pool offers an idyllic setting for a day of leisure. It’s an invitation to pause and indulge in Monaco’s charm through the enchanting stories of Amù, where tradition meets glamour.

Special offers and events

Amù Monte-Carlo offers a weekday lunch on the rooftop, perfect for a sunny break during the day. Every Sunday, from 12.30pm to 4pm, the Sunday Barbecue at Amù Monte-Carlo features delicious grills, a generous buffet, a kids club and live music, creating a fun moment for friends and family.

 

See more in our Instagram reel below…

Monaco Life is produced by real multi-media journalists writing original content. See more in our free newsletter, follow our Podcasts on Spotify, and check us out on Threads,  Facebook,  Instagram,  LinkedIn and Tik Tok.  

Photos provided

 

 

Port Hercule’s summer fête to celebrate culture and connections

by: Stephanie Horsman
15/07/2024

From culinary traditions to artisanal creations, the upcoming summer fête and market organised by the Grimaldi Historic Sites of Monaco network in conjunction with the Mairie de Monaco will be a celebration of the Principality’s historic ties and connections to villages, towns and cities across France and Italy. 

Between Thursday 1st and Sunday 25th August, the Quai Albert 1er in Port Hercule will be transformed into a marketplace featuring goods and produce from around 30 former Grimaldi strongholds. Local artisans and merchants from the chosen French and Italian communes will be plying their wares at various stalls, as well as introducing the Monaco crowd to some of their cultural traditions.  

The Grimaldi Historic Sites network was set up by Prince Albert II back in 2015 as a way of building connections and establishing friendships with different locales that are in some way connected to the Principality and its dynastic ruling family, the Grimaldis. Since then, more than 100 communes have been welcomed into the network’s fold.  

This is the second time that the Grimaldi Historic Sites network has organised a summer fair following a successful inaugural edition in 2023, and it will be running alongside the Mairie de Monaco’s plans for a funfair in the port.  

Among the attractions in the funfair: a carousel, a karting circuit, a basketball court, football training facilities courtesy of AS Monaco’s Kids Tour programme and Ninja Warrior-style course.  

For more information about the Grimaldi Historic Sites’ market, click here. For opening hours and additional information about the fair, click here.  

Read related:

Heritage sites in Monaco that are well worth a visit

 

Monaco Life is produced by real multi-media journalists writing original content. See more in our free newsletter, follow our Podcasts on Spotify, and check us out on Threads,  Facebook,  Instagram,  LinkedIn and Tik Tok.  

 

Photo credit: Stéphane Danna / Monaco Communications Department

Top spots to catch the action: Best vantage points in Monaco for the final stage of the Tour de France

by: Niki Borisova
15/07/2024

Monaco Life’s Niki Borisova reveals the best vantage points in Monaco to watch the final stage of the 111th Tour de France, from the starting line at Port Hercule to the climb up into Beausoleil.

On Sunday 21st July, Monaco will host the final stage of the 111th Tour de France. This year’s race, marking Monaco’s 12th time hosting the Grande Boucle and its 7th as a stage city, culminates in a 34 km individual time trial starting in the Principality and concluding in Nice. 

This decisive stage will begin at Port Hercule, go through the streets of Monaco towards Beausoleil, and riders will climb to La Turbie and Col d’Eze before descending to the finish line on the Promenade des Anglais and Place Masséna in Nice.

To find the best viewing spots for our readers, we walked the Tour de France track in Monaco.

The race begins at Port Hercule at 2:30pm, at the beginning of Boulevard Albert 1er. Spectators can witness the start of the race by standing on either side of the road or at one of the restaurants on the left side, such as Casa Amodio or Bella Vita.

The race kicks off along Boulevard Albert 1er

The riders will then follow the route to the Saint Devote roundabout, where the public can watch it from either side of the roundabout. The terrace of Café Milano also provides a good view of the route as the riders race along Boulevard Louis II. 

Above Boulevard Louis II, there’s Equivoque rooftop bar, which also provides an unobstructed view of the Port and the route to Boulevard Louis II. Another good spot that we recommend would be by the entrance of the Monaco Yacht Club, as this is where the public can get a clear view of the race going along Boulevard Louis II.

Riders will race along Boulevard Louis II

The next stage in the route is the Louis II tunnel, where spectators can line the sidewalk to watch the riders zoom past, going towards Avenue Princess Grace. Our pick for the best spot to watch the tunnel part would be at the very end/exit of the tunnel, where the public can get a clear view of the riders cruising down. 

The race will proceed along Avenue Princess Grace until the roundabout at Le Meridien hotel, where the riders will take a turn and return along the Avenue. There are plenty of great spots to watch the race from here as there are many restaurants, including Song Qi, which has a terrace directly on the sidewalk, Cova, The Niwaki, and Avenue 31. Another option would be to line up the sidewalks on either side of the Avenue and follow the action. 

The Fairmont Hairpin will provide spectators with a great view of the riders as they make their way up the hill

As with the Monaco Grand Prix, the most famous part of the route is the renowned Fairmont Hairpin turn. However, instead of going down it as the Formula One cars do, the Tour de France riders will be riding up it – no small task on bikes and in the summer heat. Of course, the obvious vantage point here would be at the entrance of the Fairmont Hotel overlooking the curve. Another place that we recommend is on top of the stairs leading up to Buddha Bar.

The race will continue up Avenue des Spélugues, where Rampoldi restaurant would provide a great view. Another option would be to stand by Audemars Piguet boutique, as this provides a great view of the riders coming up this road. 

Avenue des Spélugues

Nearing the end of the Monaco route, the riders will go along the Place du Casino Road, but they will not reach the Casino Square. Instead they will go up the Allee des Boulingrins. The best spot here would be at the intersection of these two roads, by the Zegg and Cerlati store. 

The last section of the race will be along the Rue des Iris, where the best viewing spot is by Barclays Private Bank, Pictet Bank, or on top of the stairs leading onto Boulevard Princess Charlotte. The race will go past Maya Mia, another perfect place to see the riders wizzing past and heading on to Beausoleil.

Monaco Life is produced by real multi-media journalists writing original content. See more in our free newsletter, follow our Podcasts on Spotify, and check us out on Threads,  Facebook,  Instagram,  LinkedIn and Tik Tok. 

Main Photo credits: Tour de France Facebook

All other photos: Monaco Life