Dignitaries unite in Monaco to pay their final respects to Didier Guillaume

23/01/2025

In a solemn ceremony held at the Cathedral of Monaco on Thursday, 500 attendees, including Prince Albert II, French President Emmanuel Macron and former Prime Minister Edouard Philippe, paid their final respects to Didier Guillaume. The former French Minister of Agriculture, who took up his role as Monaco’s Minister of State only four months ago, left an indelible mark on the Principality through his energy, determination and commitment to public service.

Prince Albert II delivered a poignant eulogy, highlighting Didier Guillaume’s connection to Monaco and his contributions in such a short period.

“In just a few months, he rose to the challenges before him, leaving a lasting impression on the institutional and political life of Monaco,” said the Sovereign.

See more: Remembering Didier Guillaume, a “remarkable statesman” who dedicated his life to meaningful change

Archbishop Dominique-Marie David echoed these sentiments during his homily, reflecting on the late Minister of State’s unwavering dedication.

“He served our Prince and this unique, cherished country with boundless energy and enthusiasm. His brief tenure may seem like a fleeting chapter, but his impact will be long-lasting,” said the Archbishop.

A gathering of political leaders

The funeral brought together dignitaries from Monaco and France, with President Emmanuel Macron and former PM Edouard Philippe leading the French delegation. Other notable attendees included François Rebsamen, Julien Denormandie and Alexis Kohler, as well as regional leaders such as Mayor of Nice Christian Estrosi and Eric Ciotti, highlighting Didier Guillaume’s influence both within Monaco and beyond.

A legacy of service

Didier Guillaume’s extensive career spanned decades, from serving as Mayor of Bourg-de-Péage to holding ministerial roles in France and, most recently, as Monaco’s Minister of State. In recognition of his contributions, Prince Albert II posthumously honoured him with the rank of Commander of the Order of Saint-Charles on the eve of the funeral.

The funeral ceremony, broadcast live on Monaco Info and TV Monaco, concluded with a private gathering for family and select officials.

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Photos credit: Eric Mathon / Michaël Alesi / Frédéric Nebinger / Axel Bastello / Palais Princier de Monaco

Cirque FC retain Fight AIDS Cup in star-studded nine-goal thriller

by: Luke Entwistle

23/01/2025

Cirque FC lift the Fight AIDS Cup at the Stade Louis II

Cirque FC beat the Barbagiuans (5-4) in the fifth edition of the Fight AIDS Cup, staged at the Stade Louis II on Wednesday and featuring a star-studded cast.

Under the floodlights of the Stade Louis II on a rainy night in Monaco, former stars of the game descended on the Principality to raise funds for Fight AIDS Monaco. “The Fight AIDS Cup is more than just a sporting event. It’s a celebration of solidarity and generosity in the service of an essential cause: the fight against HIV/AIDS and support for those affected,” said Prince Albert II, the honorary president of the Barbagiuans, who were looking to regain the Fight AIDS Cup following their defeat last January.

They enlisted the help of former Real Madrid and Manchester United defender Raphaël Varane. The Frenchman, crowned World Champion in Russia back in 2018, returned to the pitch, just four months after announcing his retirement due to injury.

*Raphaël Varane – Photo credit: Luke Entwistle / Monaco Life*

There were plenty of other stars on show elsewhere for the Barbagiuans, captained by Louis Ducruet with the likes of Patrice Evra, Ludovic Giuly also featuring, whilst for Cirque FC, Franck Ribery, Robert Pires and Monaco’s academy manager Djimi Traoré also on display in front of 800 fans, who had braved the elements to watch the spectacle.

It was Anthony Modeste, who had only recently retired, who got the first. Giuly then levelled proceedings before the legendary Sonny Anderson saw the Barbagiuans take for the first time in what was a topsy-turvy encounter. It may have been a friendly match but there was also plenty of bite with Evra, formerly of Manchester United and Pires, formerly of fierce rivals Arsenal, involved in plenty of intense battles down the right-hand side.

*Barbagiuans line-up – Photo credit: Luke Entwistle / Monaco Life*

Modeste netted his second before the break and completed his hat-trick in the opening seconds of the second half as Cirque FC turned the game on its head once again. Giuly then got his second of the night to bring the scores level at 3-3 but then a Pires finish and an effort from range from Bakary Sako saw Cirque run away with it.

Serge Gakpé then reduced the deficit to just one goal with just a few minutes remaining but Cirque FC hung on for the win. There were plenty of goals off the pitch, but one major one off it.

Varane happy to make a return to the pitch

“[The event] was a great success both on and off the pitch, with the presence of football legends, a great show and nine goals, and off the pitch, with the substantial funds raised for FIGHT AIDS Monaco, the ultimate goal of our campaign,” said Ducruet, president of the Barbagiuans.

“We had good fun and for a good cause too! It was great to put the boots on again, have fun with the fans that have come down, with my teammates from multiple generations. It was very fun,” added Varane, who will have to return next year if he is to get his hands on the Fight AIDS Cup.

The circus perform during the half-time interval

Prince Albert II walks onto the pitch with the teams and the family of Jean Petit, the Monaco legend who passed away last year.

Patrice Evra moving to intercept for the Barbagiuans

Raphaël Varane alongside former international teammate Patric Evra

Djimi Traoré during the pre-game warm-up

The winners of the fifth edition of the Fight AIDS Cup, Cirque FC, line-up pre-match

Feature image credit: Pool FIGHT AIDS CUP 2025

Half-term activities for children and teens in Monaco

by: Stephanie Horsman

23/01/2025

With just two full weeks of classes to go until the winter half-term holidays begin for schoolchildren in the Principality, Monaco Life has put together a list of all the fun and educational stages to keep young minds and bodies active and engaged. From hands-on art and drama sessions to scientific and athletic pursuits, there’s something for everyone this February!

Whether your children are eager to explore their artistic side, dive into the world of science and history or stay active with sports, there’s no shortage of activities on offer to make this half-term a fulfilling one.

ART AND CREATIVITY

The Théâtre des Muses is offering two improvisational acting courses for children aged six to 13 years between 10th and 21st February, where budding actors can learn techniques to gain confidence and poise both on and off stage. For more information and to register, click here.

Meanwhile, two drawing workshops at Pavillon Bosio École Supérieure d’Arts Plastiques will be taking place from 17th to 21st February, during the second week of the holidays.

The first, Body in Detail with Yannick Cosso, focuses on drawing the human form, while Me in Images with Éric Sanchez introduces children to self-portraiture. Information, registration forms and materials lists are available here.

SCIENCE AND NATURE

The Oceano Club at the Oceanographic Museum of Monaco is offering two exciting workshops during the February holidays: the first from 10th to 14th February and a second from 17th to 21st February.

The sessions for six to eight-year-olds will feature a variety of educational and fun activities focused on marine life and conservation, covering topics such as marine biodiversity and ocean exploration through interactive games and hands-on experiences like treasure hunts and creative workshops. Children aged nine to 12 can expect a week of marine-themed activities, from feeding sea turtles to exploring ecosystems and ocean conservation. Participants will also engage in interactive experiences such as aquarium visits, 360° virtual reality sessions and educational games. To register or for more information, click here.

Up in the Jardin Exotique neighbourhood, the Museum of Prehistoric Anthropology will be hosting a variety of games and workshops for children aged four to 12 years old throughout the holidays. Places are limited, so it’s best to contact them in advance. More information is available here.

See more: Unearthing the past: Musée d’Anthropologie Prehistorique explores the ancient Mediterranean

SPORT AND GAMES

The Princess Grace Academy will be holding its winter camp from 17th to 22nd February. Open to students aged 13 to 17 years, the camp also serves as an audition for the Academy’s 2025/26 season. More details can be found here.

For aspiring tennis players, the nearby Tennis Club de Cap d’Ail is holding a series of half and full day lessons and courses from 10th to 21st February for kids four to 14 years of age. For more information on the different lessons, as well as to sign up, click here.

Finally, Fémina Sports Monaco will run fun and energetic gymnastics workshops throughout the winter holidays. To register or for more information, click here.

Read related:

School registrations open for the 2025-2026 academic year in Monaco

Photo credit: Pavel Danilyuk, Pexels

Men’s health takes centre stage at Club des Résidents Étrangers de Monaco seminar

by: Elsa Carpenter

23/01/2025

Earlier this month, the Club des Résidents Étrangers de Monaco hosted two prominent specialists from the Centre Hospitalier Princesse Grace for a talk and seminar on men’s health. Dr Hervé Quintens, head of urology at the hospital, and Dr Carol Burte, an expert in andrology and sexual medicine, shared their insights and expertise during an engaging and informative session that covered a broad range of topics and key health issues affecting men.

On 16th January , the Club des Résidents Étrangers de Monaco (CREM) welcomed Dr Quintens and Dr Burte to speak about the importance of early screening and regular health assessments—two simple actions that are often overlooked, particularly by the male population. The specialists also discussed the innovative treatments available at CHPG, as well as Monaco’s advanced resources for addressing men’s health challenges, while underscoring the need for proactive measures to maintain well-being.

The pair introduced their audience to two specialised centres at CHPG dedicated to men’s health: the Monaco Prostate Center, a state-of-the-art facility offering a one-day prostate cancer screening pathway where patients can undergo a complete examination, including a prostate MRI and, if needed, a biopsy; and the Sexual Medicine Centre, a multidisciplinary clinic open on Mondays that provides consultations and treatments for a range of sexual health issues.

Dr Quintens and Dr Burte also offered practical advice and encouraged attendees to make better use of the exceptional resources available in Monaco.

The evening’s discussions highlighted the significant role of these centres in bridging gaps between routine medical care and specialist services, with the message that together, they offer men in Monaco comprehensive and accessible solutions for their health needs.

The event aimed to foster awareness and action on men’s health among CREM’s members and their families and friends by promoting prevention and presenting the tailored solutions available in the Principality to address a range of medical concerns.

Photo courtesy of the Club des Résidents Étrangers de Monaco

Rallye Monte-Carlo 2025 officially kicks off at Casino Square

by: Niki Borisova

23/01/2025

The Rallye Monte-Carlo kicked off the 2025 WRC season at Casino Square on Thursday, with Monaco Life on-site to witness drivers prepare for a demanding route featuring new challenges, night stages, and iconic landmarks.

The ceremonial start of the 93rd Rallye Monte-Carlo took place on 23rd January at the iconic Casino Square, marking the official beginning of the 2025 World Rally Championship season. Drivers set off in front of a crowd of dedicated fans who braved the chilly winter air to witness the launch of this event.

Speaking before the start, nine-time Rallye Monte-Carlo winner and Monaco resident Sébastien Ogier reflected on the significance of starting at such a historic location. “Casino Square is a special place—it reminds us of the heritage of this event. It’s an honour to start here and represent Monaco on the world stage,” he said.

*Despite the wintery conditions, the crowd turned out for the launch of the rally. Photo by Monaco Life*

Defending champion Thierry Neuville, another Monaco resident, spoke about the rally’s unique appeal. “This rally is always one of the highlights of the season. Starting in the heart of Monaco adds something extra—it’s a moment we all look forward to,” he said.

Drivers are already anticipating a tough event this year, with new routes and night stages adding to the challenge. Another driver, Elfyn Evans, noted the complexity of the rally, saying, “The Rallye Monte-Carlo is always unpredictable, but this year’s mix of unfamiliar roads and night-time driving makes it even more challenging. You’re constantly adapting to changing conditions, and in the dark, it’s a whole new level of intensity.”

Following the ceremonial start at Casino Square in Monaco, the 2025 Rallye Monte-Carlo’s itinerary includes a series of stages that take competitors through various regions. After departing from Monaco, drivers will tackle stages such as Digne-les-Bains / Chaudon-Norante, Faucon-du-Caire / Bréziers, and Avançon / Notre-Dame-du-Laus, among others.

The rally features a mix of familiar classics and new additions, with significant changes to the itinerary compared to previous years. The event concludes with the iconic power stage on the Col de Turini, a favourite for spectators and a test of endurance for competitors.

Photos by Monaco Life.

Solar power overtakes coal in EU energy mix as renewables surge

by: Niki Borisova

23/01/2025

Solar power surpassed coal in the EU’s energy mix in 2024, marking a significant shift toward renewable energy, according to new data. Solar generation increased by 54 TWh in 2024, a 22% rise compared to 2023, reflecting the technology’s expanding role in the bloc’s energy transition. Coal, meanwhile, dropped to just 10% of the production share, making it only the sixth-largest energy source in the EU for the first time.

The European Union recorded a significant increase in solar energy generation in 2024, according to a report by energy think tank Ember, with production 22% higher than in 2023.

Over the course of 2024, an additional 66 GW of solar capacity was added to the EU network—equivalent to over 450,000 panels installed daily. This places the bloc ahead of its interim REPowerEU solar target of 400 GW installed capacity by 2025, putting the EU within reach of achieving the 2030 target of 750 GW if current trends continue.

All EU member states recorded growth in solar generation and capacity in 2024. Notably, 16 countries generated more than 10% of their electricity from solar, three more than in 2023. The report also highlighted the increasing interest in agri-photovoltaics, the dual-use of land for farming and solar energy.

Interestingly, more than half of the EU countries now have either no coal power or a share below 5% in their energy mix. This is a stark contrast from the figures reported in 2019, which put coal as the third-largest energy source in the EU. Gas power generation also fell in 2024—the fifth consecutive contraction. Last year, coal had a 10% share of overall production, while gas accounted for 16% and renewables made up 47%.

Challenges

While solar power is becoming increasingly abundant, the report identified certain challenges in integrating this growth into the energy market. Hours of negative or zero electricity prices doubled in 2024, occurring 4% of the time on average across the EU, up from 2% in 2023. This highlights the need for investments in clean flexibility solutions, such as battery storage, smart electrification and expanded grid infrastructure.

Battery storage, which can shift solar power from peak production hours to evening demand, is emerging as a key solution. However, its deployment remains concentrated in just a handful of countries, with 70% of EU battery capacity located in Germany and Italy. An improved policy framework is needed to encourage private investment and address barriers, such as double grid charges and restrictive market rules.

Smart electrification can also benefit consumers by encouraging energy use during periods of low electricity prices. However, access to smart meters remains limited in parts of the EU, with fewer than 30% of households equipped in 10 member states. Fixed-price electricity contracts still hinder consumer participation in demand flexibility.

As summarised by Ember’s report, “The European Green Deal has delivered a deep and rapid transformation of the EU power sector. Driven by expanding wind and solar power, renewables have risen from a share of 34% in 2019 to 47% in 2024, as the share of fossil fuels declined from 39% to a historic low of 29%. Solar remained the EU’s fastest-growing power source in 2024, rising above coal for the first time. Wind power remained the EU’s second-largest power source, above gas and below nuclear.”

Read related:

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Photo source: Sungrow EMEA, Unsplash

Day: 23 January 2025