Interview: Ambassador Manuela Ruosi on strengthening Monaco-Italy relations and the Italian community

Italians represent a significant part of Monaco’s population, accounting for 20%, just behind Monegasques and the French. Newly appointed Ambassador Manuela Ruosi shares insights into her career and her vision for enhancing Monaco-Italy relations.

Manuela Ruosi is the newly accredited Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Ambassador of the Italian Republic to the Principality of Monaco. She is a breath of fresh air coming from the iconic city of Naples, the regional capital of Campania and the third largest city in Italy after Rome and Milan. She holds a degree in Political Sciences from the University of Naples Orientale. Prior to her appointment as Ambassador, Ruosi held various positions within the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and she is a recipient of several well-merited honours. 

According to the latest IMSEE census, Italians account for 20% of the population in Monaco, just behind Monegasques with 24% and French with 22%. This Italian community is not just a statistic, but a vibrant part of Monaco’s social fabric. Italy remains Monaco’s leading customer and supplier, with more than a fifth of Monegasque trade with this country. 

Monaco Life’s Features Journalist Celina Lafuente de Lavotha met with Ambassador Manuela Ruosi to learn more about her diplomatic ascending career and how her expertise and skills will help foster strong relations between the two countries. 

Monaco Life: Please tell us about yourself and your family. 

Ambassador Manuela Ruosi: I was born in Naples, a city that holds a special place in my heart. It’s where I lived, studied, and graduated in Political Science. My family life was filled with joy, surrounded by a large group of brothers and sisters in the beautiful setting of Naples, one of the most magnificent cities in the world.

My Neapolitan origins share many similarities with Monaco. Both are important cities in the Mediterranean basin, where the sea, sun, and mild climate invite the population to enjoy la dolce vita.

How did you become interested in diplomacy? 

Coming from a typical Neapolitan family of professionals in medicine and law, I ventured into a completely different career path, focused on the international dimension already at school, where I studied foreign languages and traveled frequently, which has always been an important part of my life. Right after school, I was drawn to international careers in general when I had the opportunity to study — as an exchange student — in the United States and, at that time, to visit the UN headquarters and other international facilities, which excited me and made me realise that I would love to engage in a global career.  So, I moved to Rome, where I started my diplomatic career in 1992. 

What does becoming an Ambassador to Monaco mean, and what transformative changes do you hope to bring in this role?

My appointment as an Ambassador to Monaco came, as a matter of fact, at the point of a rather long and diversified diplomatic career in which I held the most diverse positions and roles, ranging from cultural to commercial affairs, even abroad, and more recently, after a long experience in the Diplomatic Protocol of the Italian Republic. In my new role, I want to strengthen bilateral relations with the Principality – in the traces of my predecessors – and to dynamise ties with the country’s vibrant, active Italian community.   

Prince Albert II with Ambassador Manuela Ruosi, at the Prince’s Palace. Photo credit: Axel Bastello, Prince’s Palace

What unique skills do you bring to this position, and how will they be instrumental in your diplomatic career?

My lifelong experience in the diplomatic career, and especially my prolonged years in Diplomatic Protocol, have contributed profoundly to my skills in dealing with the international sector and with the privileged communities of Rome, such as the Diplomatic Corps, composed of over 15,000 diplomats. I am therefore confident that the above experience and my attitude will help me start this new position. I am eager to bring all my enthusiasm and attention to cultural exchanges, which make our country renowned abroad and our community appreciated in the Principality.

What does this new nomination as Ambassador of Italy in Monaco mean to you? 

It is a significant milestone in my career, one that I approach with great enthusiasm and dedication. Completing long years of studies and efforts in this profession is what I consider the best and the only one I have ever wanted to undertake.

How does your Embassy plan to promote cross-cultural communication and cooperation between the two countries? 

My role as the Ambassador of Italy in Monaco is not just about strengthening bilateral relations, but also about promoting the rich tapestry of Italian culture and values. I plan to leverage the existing Italian institutions and engage with world-renowned personalities to showcase our most significant expressions of human creativity and scientific research, fostering a sense of pride and appreciation among our international audience.

How do you stay informed about global events and developments that may impact your country’s national interests?

Information is undoubtedly one of the most relevant and crucial resources in daily activities. Through the central administration, we have widely channeled information from the national and international press; locally, I stay informed through the national and international press. The Principality of Monaco, despite its small territorial size, is equipped with a surprisingly rich and diversified media system to satisfy the information needs of a cosmopolitan audience.

How would you effectively describe and communicate your country’s values and priorities to international audiences? 

Central to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation is undoubtedly the integrated promotion plan ‘Vivere all’Italiana’ launched in 2016 in synergy with the MiBACT, the MIUR, the RAI and the Dante Alighieri Society. Its objective is to adopt an integrated approach, which combines the various aspects of the promotion of the country system, according to well-defined priority axes: in addition to science, technology and innovation, other priority sectors are the promotion of the Italian language, contemporary art in the world, paying particular attention to young emerging artists; the internationalisation of the university system in order to increase the number of foreign students enrolled in Italy; Italian haute cuisine in the world, with the Week of Italian Cuisine in the world and the initiatives planned for the Design Day; archaeology and the protection of cultural heritage, with 180 archaeological missions active across the globe; the internationalisation of the museum system, with the circulation of individual works and large exhibitions; cultural tourism, to enhance our territories; the artistic and creative industries, with particular regard to the audio-visual and new media sector, a privileged territory for supporting an increasingly significant part of our cultural industry.

Finally, promoting sport in all his disciplines represents a further instrument of making diplomacy and tightening ties and relations among world peoples.

What are the critical aspects of the rich Italian culture and values, and how do you plan to promote them in Monaco?

Italy is a point of reference for citizens worldwide for its history, artistic and cultural heritage, and its many excellences in clothing and fashion, furniture and design, cuisine, and territories, everything connected to the concept of “Vivere all’Italiana”. Therefore, we are the shareholders of a global Italian brand that goes beyond the country’s dimension. Although these features are all undoubtedly true and still have a hold on the collective imagination, many other aspects are often overlooked when talking about Italy abroad. I also intend to focus on these aspects and a wide range of sectors where Italy and its “Sistema Paese” can still have something to say.

How important is it to continue promoting trade between Italy and Monaco? 

Since I arrived here, I have observed that the Principality continues to evolve, and its small-scale economy is very dynamic and reactive, with agile structures. The stability of its political structures represents a guarantee for investors and its quality of life in the heart of Europe. In my opinion, Monaco offers all the conditions to welcome new investors who, from a first impression, always seem more oriented to settle in a multicultural community where their families can live safely (internal security being one of the priorities of the government action), people speak foreign languages fluently, together with the high-performance school, and the solid healthcare system—not forgetting a sporting, cultural and recreational living that combines everyday life with numerous events of international importance.

Could you reveal your plans for your first upcoming Embassy event in Monaco? 

As mentioned, my mandate is to foster bilateral relations at all levels. Over and above official duties, my objective is to promote the year’s initiatives, aiming to attract the audience’s attention to the most important expressions of Italian excellence and creativity. Everything with an integrated approach between the economic, cultural, and scientific sectors enhances our country as a whole and its attractiveness as a destination for new foreign investments. 

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Main photo credit: Michael Alesi, Prince’s Palace 

 

Call for tenders launched for La Luciole real estate development project

The Princely Government has announced the launch of a new real estate development project on the site of the Villa La Luciole on Rue Louis Auréglia in the Les Moneghetti neighbourhood. The project involves the design and construction of a 10-storey building, which will provide at least 27 state-owned apartments.

As part of this project, a call for tenders has been issued for a property development contract for a new construction at 5 Rue Louis Auréglia. The full details of the tender were published in the Journal de Monaco on 13th September 2024. This public works contract covers the design and execution of the project, which will feature one five-room apartment (T5) and 26 two-room apartments (T2), along with a private parking facility, in accordance with Article 2 of Sovereign Ordinance No. 7.264 of 20th December 2018 that regulates state public procurement.

The procedure has been activated and will follow the negotiated contract process under the aforementioned Sovereign Ordinance. Any interested economic operator may express interest, obtain the Consultation File free of charge, and submit both an application and an offer in accordance with the terms of the consultation regulations.

The final deadline for receiving offers has been set for 10am on Wednesday 27th November 2024.

 

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 by Monaco Life

Alexander Kraft Monte Carlo: new flagship store opens its doors in Monaco

Alexander Kraft Monte Carlo, a sartorial brand that blends fashion with art de vivre elements, has opened a new flagship boutique on Avenue Saint-Michel.

Successful entrepreneur Alexander Kraft officially opened his Alexander Kraft Monte Carlo flagship store, a 70sqm space in a historic building, on 19th September.

The shop, located at 7 Avenue Saint-Michel, encapsulates the Alexander Kraft experience, offering everything from made-to-measure tailoring, personal shopping services, a coffee bar, a Negroni bar and a cigar lounge.

The store reflects Kraft’s expansion into lifestyle branding; his ventures extend beyond fashion to include the Kraftoni Negroni line, a signature cigar range and La Maison Bleue hotel in the Var.

The elegant interior of Alexander Kraft’s flagship store. Photo by Monaco Life

At the new address, clients will discover works of art from Kraft’s private collection, such as pieces by Modigliani and Raoul Dufy, as well as sports collectables. The store also features an outdoor terrace and one of Kraft’s classic cars is parked outside, acting as something of a display item.

Alexander Kraft with Gussie, enjoying a Kraftoni and a cigar, in front of his store. Photo by Monaco Life

“I am incredibly excited to open my first store in my hometown, as fashion has been my main passion,” Kraft told Monaco Life at the opening. “When I got to buy this beautiful space, which used to house an art gallery, it was a dream to have my clothes and my taste reflected here.”

Kraft, a connoisseur of elegance and a Monaco resident for 18 years, is also the CEO of Sotheby’s International Realty France – Monaco. Under his leadership, the real estate business has expanded to approximately 80 brokerages across France and Monaco. In 2020, Kraft launched the Alexander Kraft Monte Carlo brand, offering sartorial collections inspired by Savile Row tailoring but produced in Italy. The brand has since grown to include men’s and women’s fashion, footwear and accessories.

Alexander Kraft’s elegant, timeless and easy-to-wear pieces. Photo by Monaco Life

The store is also intended to serve as a gathering space for events and collaborations, including photography exhibitions and lectures. Regular collaborations with brands such as Billecart-Salmon and Artisans de Genève are planned. The brand’s mascot dog, a Parson Jack Russell Terrier called Gussie, is a familiar presence at the store.

Alexander Kraft Monte Carlo is located at 7 Avenue Saint-Michel in Monaco. The boutique is open from Monday to Saturday between the hours of 10am and 7pm.

For more information, click here.

Check out Monaco Life’s reel featuring the new store:

 

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All photos by Monaco Life

K2Match Investor Lounge returns to the Principality

K2Match Investor Lounge is back this autumn, bringing together startups and investors for an evening of live pitches, Q&A sessions, and networking, offering a platform for innovation and investment opportunities across various industries.

The fourth edition of the K2Match Investor Lounge is returning to the Principality on the 3rd of October, at the Columbus Hotel in Fontvieille. The event is designed to bring startups and investors together for presentations, Q&A sessions, and networking opportunities.

Several startups from different sectors are expected to present at the event. Nova Spraytec, a Munich-based company, will focus on its robotic solutions to improve efficiency in the construction painting industry. Everybody Counts, an EdTech company from Cardiff, UK, will discuss their efforts to change how math is taught globally. GR1T, another Munich-based startup, will showcase their lightweight electric motorcycles to meet the growing demands of the electric mobility sector. Meanwhile, DoubleShift, a Nicosia-based company from Cyprus, will present its AI-driven workflow automation solutions, offering customisable AI assistants.

Other notable companies include Antaris, a Cologne-based startup working on public web data collection, and RTH TV, a media company from Fort Pierce, Florida, focused on developing proprietary technology in the streaming sector. Additionally, the Australian company aFX Global will present their work on noise exposure monitoring for musicians.

See more: K2Match Investor Lounge: a new partnership and future plans unveiled

The event, which will take place from 6pm to 10pm, is expected to draw interest from potential investors. Limited tickets are available for those wishing to attend. To register, click here.

 

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Photo source: Kendris LTD LinkedIn

SNCF promises more trains and better services for PACA and Monaco passengers

Travel on the SNCF’s local TER lines is set to improve over the next few months as the train line brings in a raft of new measures designed to make the passenger experience more convenient – and more enjoyable.

Recent weeks have seen the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur branch of the SNCF face considerable criticism after bosses announced that late evening and early morning services between Nice and Ventimiglia will be cancelled as the train line carries out essential maintenance works.

The Monaco Government, along with many other locations affected by the cancellations, stepped in and demanded that a workable solution, including an increase to bus replacement services, be found. Thankfully for passengers, the SNCF has agreed to rethink its plans, the new details of which can be found here.

Now, the PACA SNCF has revealed that it will be implementing a series of new measures over the next few months that will modernise travel on local TER lines, beginning on 15th December. A dress rehearsal of these services will be held on 3rd October.

The measures, which were announced by Monaco’s Céline Caron-Dagioni, Minister of Equipment, Environment and Urban Planning, and Jean-Pierre Serrus, Vice-President of the Sud Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur Region, on 26th September, include more trains and extended timetables.

Monaco’s Céline Caron-Dagioni, Minister of Equipment, Environment and Urban Planning, and Jean-Pierre Serrus, Vice-President of the Sud Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur Region, announced the incoming changes on 26th September. Photo credit: Monaco Communications Department / Manuel Vitali

There will soon be a train running every 15 minutes between Cannes and Menton. On Saturday evenings, trains along the coast, from Les Arcs and Grasse to Ventimiglia via Cannes, Nice and Monaco, will continue until 2am.

Additionally, the SNCF has pledged to renovate and modernise its carriages and open a dedicated supervision centre based in Nice, as well as improve its customer services.

Read related:

Monaco’s efforts to resolve Nice-Ventimiglia train debacle prove fruitful

 

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Photo credit: Monaco Communications Department / Manuel Vitali

Woman dies after falling onto tracks at Monaco station

A woman has tragically died after falling onto the tracks at Monaco’s train station, causing all services between Nice and Ventimiglia to be temporarily suspended.

The incident occurred early on Monday, prompting Monaco’s public safety officers to intervene and investigate the cause of the fall, with both accidental and intentional scenarios under consideration. In the immediate aftermath, the Monaco-Monte Carlo station was closed, and barriers were put in place to ensure no passengers entered the restricted areas.

SNCF, the French rail operator, confirmed that trains would resume around 11:15 am, following a complete suspension of services in both directions. A psychological support unit was quickly established for those affected, with the SNCF TER Sud Paca division urging anyone impacted by the event to reach out for assistance.

“Please contact our psychological support team on 0800 120 821 if you were a witness to the accident at Monaco station,” said SNCF in a statement on their social media account.

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