Day: 19 July 2024

Monaco’s Minister of State Pierre Dartout was one of 40 heads of state and government to be welcomed by King Charles and the UK prime minister for Thursday’s European Political Community meeting in England. 

A delegation from Monaco, led by Minister of State Pierre Dartout, participated in the 4th meeting of the European Political Community, held Thursday 18th July at Blenheim Palace in Oxfordshire, United Kingdom. This UNESCO World Heritage site, known as the birthplace of former Prime Minister Sir Winston Churchill, provided a historic backdrop for the summit.

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer hosted the event, welcoming over 40 heads of state and government, including the President of the European Council, the High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, the Secretary General of NATO, the Secretary General of the OSCE, and the Secretary General of the Council of Europe.

European leaders reaffirmed their support for Ukraine, with the summit focusing on strengthening cohesion and cooperation among European countries on current issues such as migration, democracy preservation, and energy security.

Pierre Dartout participated in a roundtable discussion on ‘Energy and Connectivity’, saying “in order to overcome the energy crisis, it is necessary to work towards diversifying energy sources. However, we must not lose sight of the fight against climate change.”  

The minister of state also took the opportunity to engage with his counterparts from Andorra and San Marino to reaffirm the bonds of friendship and cooperation between the three states, and with Robert Abela, Prime Minister of Malta.

The day concluded with a reception hosted by His Majesty King Charles III for all the leaders.

The next European Political Community meeting will be held in November 2024 in Budapest, under the Hungarian presidency of the Council of the European Union.

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In line with its mandate to promote Monaco internationally, the Cellule Attractivité, accompanied by a Monegasque delegation led by Frédéric Genta, Interministerial Delegate for Attractiveness and Digital Transition, visited Athens on early July.

The primary goal of this mission was to solidify the bonds between the Principality of Monaco and Greece while exploring opportunities for mutual collaboration.

Interestingly, some historians assert that the name “Monaco” derives from the Greek word “Monoïkos”, highlighting the deep-rooted connections between the two countries. Meanwhile, the Greek community is the 11th largest foreign community in Monaco, according to IMSEE.

The delegation, comprising representatives from both the public and private sectors—including the Société des Bains de Mer Group, Société d’Exploitation des Ports de Monaco, Monaco Economic Board, Association Monégasques des Activités Financières, and Monaco Private Label—was warmly received by Vassili Apostolopoulos, Honorary Consul of Monaco in Greece. During the visit, Frédéric Genta met with Dr. Dionysia-Theodora Avgerinopoulou, Member of the Hellenic Parliament and Special Envoy of the Greek Prime Minister for Oceans. Delegation members also engaged with economic leaders, entrepreneurs, and influential personalities.

The discussions highlighted numerous opportunities for collaboration between the two nations, particularly in areas such as investment, yachting, tourism, and real estate. 

Interactions with the local press gave the delegation an opportunity to provide a clearer understanding of Monaco and the various opportunities it offers to Greek economic actors.

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Photo of Frederic Genta and the Monegasque Delegation provided by Government Communication Department

European Commission leader Ursula von der Leyen and Parliamentary President Roberta Metsola were both re-elected in Thursday’s EU elections, staving off the far-right to maintain a more centrist rule. It is being hailed as a “major victory for pro-Europeans” but are the centrists’ holding on by their fingernails?  

The European Union’s elections saw 720 new lawmakers elected, all of whom are heading to Strasbourg for their opening plenary meeting. 

The results showed a growing divide within the European Parliament with two new far-right groups: Europe of Sovereign Nations, who saw 25 members elected to the European Parliament (MEPs), and Patriots for Europe, who had 84 new ministers join, gaining traction. Along with the European Conservatives and Reformists, the make-up of the legislature is now more than a quarter right-leaning.

Despite gains for the far-right, current European Commission (EC) president, the centre-right Ursula von der Leyen, and Roberta Metsola, the conservative from Malta who served as parliamentary president, have both been re-elected, giving the centrists cause to hope their coalition will hold- and hold sway- in the years to come. 

“Today is an important day. Today, Europe wins,” said Iratxe García, leader of the Socialists and Democrats, to Euronews. “The pro-European political forces really had a big challenge, a big responsibility, to work together here for this result.” 

Von der Leyen’s plans for the future

German Ursula Von der Leyen is clearly attempting to unify the EU, saying in her speech after her reelection, “We are in a period of deep anxiety and uncertainty for Europeans. Families are feeling the pain from the cost of living and housing. Young people are concerned about the planet, their future and the prospect of war. Companies and farmers are feeling squeezed. All of this is a symptom of a world in which everything is weaponised and contested. Where there is a clear attempt to divide and polarise our societies. I am deeply concerned about these trends. But I am convinced that Europe – a strong Europe – can rise to the challenge.”

Outlining her vision for the future, the politician highlighted the need for more private investment, bringing down energy costs, encouraging renewable energy generation, security and defence, managing immigration, and taking an active leadership role in the world, namely in the Middle East to stop the war in Israel and Gaza.

For now, the centre’s alliances are holding firm, but when votes on new legislation begin, the scene could prove more volatile as the far-right flex their newly found muscle and change the face of the EU’s current moderate landscape.

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Photo of Ursula von der Leyen source: European Commission