Grimaldi Forum to kick start 25th anniversary celebrations with Electro Winter Party

Electro Winter Party

The award-winning Grimaldi Forum venue will be getting its 25th anniversary celebrations off the ground in January with a vibrant Electro Winter Party concept in the new Hall Pinède. Tickets are on sale now.

With the Grimaldi Forum set to enter its 25th year in 2025, the legendary Monaco exhibition centre has announced it will be hosting the all-new Electro Winter Party on 16th January.

Featuring live music and performances from artists such as Bon Entendeur, Parallelle and DJ Baloo, the party will be held in the new 3,000sqm Hall Pinède from 9pm until 1am.

Bon Entendeur, known for their innovative approach to music blending past and present, rose to prominence with the 2019 album ‘Aller-Retour’, which celebrated the sounds of the 1970s with a contemporary twist. Their follow-up album, ‘Minuit’, achieved gold status shortly after its release in 2021. The duo’s return to the stage in 2024 included performances at the Olympia in Paris and other major European festivals.

Parallelle, consisting of Thomas and Julien de Bie, offers an equally eclectic mix of genres, while DJ Baloo is a local talent from Monaco who draws on influences ranging from hip-hop and techno to funk, drum and bass, house, jazz, rock and even classical music.

Individual standing tickets to the Electro Winter Party cost €25, while seated tickets in the lounge area cost €45 per person for a minimum of four partygoers.

For more information about the event, click here.

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Grimaldi Forum Monaco secures another prestigious international award

 

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France’s National Council approves inheritance tax reductions and early life insurance transfers 

As debate continues over France’s Finance Bill (PLF) for 2025, the National Assembly has moved forward with several amendments focused on reducing inheritance and donation taxes. 

Although it remains uncertain if these transmission rules will undergo further change – especially amid a potential invocation of Article 49-3 to bypass parliamentary votes – lawmakers have shown a clear intent to ease tax burdens on family transfers. Notably, on 24th October, deputies approved tax relief measures for direct-line inheritances and donations, as well as a provision for early transmission of certain life insurance benefits.

See also: Tax obligations in Monaco: What every resident needs to know

Direct-line inheritance allowance raised to €120,000

In a significant adjustment, the allowance for “direct line” inheritances, benefiting children and direct ascendants, will increase from €100,000 to €120,000. This tax-free threshold, unchanged since 2012 when it was reduced from €159,325, was raised through two amendments introduced by Union of Democrats for the Republic (UDR) deputy Gérault Verny and National Rally member Jean-Philippe Tanguy. Advocates argued that the increase reflects inflation’s impact on purchasing power since 2012 and will provide generational financial support.

Despite opposition from Budget General Rapporteur Charles de Courson and Public Accounts Minister Laurent Saint-Martin, who argued the measure would cost public finances more than €2 billion, the amendment passed narrowly, with 88 votes in favour and 82 against.

Early life insurance transfers approved

National Council members also adopted a measure to enable early life insurance contract transfers to beneficiaries. Authored by Véronique Louwagie of the Republican Right, this amendment allows policyholders to transfer benefits early if certain premiums were paid before 1st October 2024 and if the policyholder reaches the age of 70 by 31st December 2025. This early transmission allows beneficiaries to receive up to €152,500 each without tax implications. Currently, beneficiaries receive this allowance only upon the policyholder’s death.

See also: From love to legalities, Lawyer Christine Pasquier-Ciulla reveals why a prenup is key for Monaco residents

Future of inheritance reforms uncertain

While these amendments signal the Assembly’s support for tax relief on family transmissions, their ultimate adoption remains uncertain. The government could invoke Article 49-3 to push the Finance Bill through without further debate, bypassing the Assembly’s recent votes.

Related article:

Making a will in Monaco: what international residents need to consider

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