Interview: Monaco-based icon Victoria Silvstedt set for musical comeback with Eurovision bid

20/02/2025

Swedish model, actress and singer Victoria Silvstedt is set to make her musical debut in Melodifestivalen 2025 with the song ‘Love It!’, aiming to represent Sweden at the Eurovision Song Contest. The track, penned by renowned songwriters Jimmy Jansson and Thomas G:son, is scheduled for release on 28th February, just hours before her performance in the competition’s fifth heat on 1st March in Jönköping.

Melodifestivalen 2025 features five heats and a final, with two songs from each heat advancing directly and a final qualification round determining the last two spots. The competition began on 1st February in Luleå, with Victoria Silvstedt scheduled to compete in Heat 5 on 1st March in Jönköping at Husqvarna Garden. The final takes place on 8th March in Stockholm at Strawberry Arena, with the winner earning the opportunity to represent Sweden at Eurovision 2025.

Reflecting on her journey, Silvstedt told Monaco Life, “Last summer, I was working with Jimmy Jansson and Thomas G:son, who were writing songs specifically for Eurovision.” Initially, she hadn’t considered participating, but one song resonated deeply with her. “It just clicked—I loved it.”

Embracing new challenges has been a consistent theme in Silvstedt’s career. “I love challenges. I’ve always been like this—it keeps me motivated and stimulated,” she said. Collaborating with esteemed songwriters like Jimmy Jansson and Thomas G:son, known for their work on Loreen’s Eurovision-winning ‘Euphoria’ and ‘Tattoo’, has been particularly special. “When they came to me with this song, I felt honoured. I couldn’t say no!”

Meanwhile, her selection for Melodifestivalen came as a pleasant surprise. “About two weeks later, they told me I had been selected out of thousands of entries to be in the top 30,” she told Monaco Life. While advancing to Eurovision isn’t guaranteed, Silvstedt remains enthusiastic: “Even if I don’t make it to Eurovision, I’ll still have a great song out, which is amazing.”

Victoria Silvstedt ventured into music with her 1999 pop album Girl on the Run, which achieved gold status in Sweden. The album featured singles like ‘Hello Hey’, ‘Rocksteady Love’ (featuring Turbo B), and ‘Party Line’. In 2010, she released a cover of Whigfield’s ‘Saturday Night’.

Still, preparing for the Melodifestivalen performance has been a significant undertaking for the Monaco resident. “This is a big challenge—there’s choreography, four male dancers—it’s three minutes of intense performance,” she explained. The prospect of performing in her homeland adds to the anticipation. “Performing in Sweden, my home country, makes it even more nerve-wracking. I have family, friends, and Swedish fans watching.”

Silvstedt also highlighted the comprehensive nature of the competition. “It’s not just about having a good voice—it’s the whole show, the performance, the visuals, everything,” she noted. The initial selection involved a jury, but moving forward, public voting will determine the outcome. “Now, it’s purely up to the public,” she said.

Sweden boasts a storied history in Eurovision, with seven victories to date. Notable winners include ABBA’s ‘Waterloo’ in 1974 and Loreen’s ‘Euphoria’ in 2012 and ‘Tattoo’ in 2023. This year, the Eurovision Song Contest will take place in Basel, Switzerland, with the grand final set for 17th May at St. Jakobshalle.

As anticipation builds, Silvstedt remains focused on delivering a memorable performance, while fans will be eagerly awaiting the release of ‘Love It!’ on 28th February.

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.

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Explained: How does France’s SignalConso platform for disputes work?

by: Stephanie Horsman

20/02/2025

In an era where consumers need more protection than ever—whether from malicious marketing tactics or fraudulent retailers—France’s SignalConso platform has been a lifeline for those needing assistance with purchase- or service-related issues, both online and in-store. This government-created platform also has an English-language version, widening access for those whose French skills may not be up to the task.

Late deliveries, misleading promotions, hidden fees… nearly everyone has dealt with frustrating issues related to goods or services they have purchased at some point.

Since 2020, reporting such issues has been made easy with SignalConso, a platform backed by the Directorate General for Consumer Affairs, Competition and Fraud Prevention (DGCCRF) that protects French consumers’ rights. Over one million reports have been filed via the platform since its inception, and the service is now continuing to expand its reach through its mobile application, ensuring that users can take action anytime, anywhere.

SignalConso, which is free and accessible to all, is available in both French and English. It empowers consumers to report issues directly to businesses, facilitating dialogue and encouraging resolution without the need for legal action. Whether it’s a store refusing to honour a warranty or an online retailer failing to deliver on time, SignalConso provides a straightforward way to seek redress.

One of the standout features of both the platform and app is its integration with CallbackConso, a hazard alert system for recalled products. By selecting categories of interest, like food, electronics or sports equipment, users can receive real-time notifications about product recalls, ensuring their safety and well-being.

How it works

Using SignalConso is as simple as downloading the app, which is available on both the App Store and Google Play. The user selects a problem category—such as internet purchases, fraud, misleading advertising or banking issues—answers a few guided questions and then submits a report.

Consumers can choose to remain anonymous or allow businesses to contact them directly to resolve the issue. Once a report is filed, businesses are required to respond by indicating their plan of action, which may include issuing a refund or replacing a faulty product. The complainant can then confirm whether the issue has been satisfactorily resolved.

For businesses, SignalConso serves as an opportunity to manage customer issues efficiently and prevent negative online reviews. More than 100,000 companies are registered on the platform, and statistics show that 85% respond to reports within an average of 12 days. With over 300,000 disputes resolved through the platform, SignalConso is proving to be a valuable tool for consumer-business relations.

For more information on the SignalConso app, including the full list of goods and services it covers, click here.

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PFAS: EU pushes for ban on forever chemicals in consumer products

Photo source: Mart Productions, Pexels

Monaco Energy Boat Challenge returns with more than 40 international teams and new AI class

by: Niki Borisova

20/02/2025

Over 40 teams from around the world are set to compete in the 2025 Monaco Energy Boat Challenge at the Yacht Club de Monaco this summer, an event that will showcase marine sector innovations in AI, alternative fuels and zero-emission propulsion.

The 12th edition of the Monaco Energy Boat Challenge is set to take place in July 2025, with applications now confirmed in the Energy, AI and SeaLab classes. Organised by the Yacht Club de Monaco with support from the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation, UBS, BMW and SBM Offshore, the event will shine a spotlight on an array of advances in sustainable maritime technology.

More than 40 teams from 20 countries have already registered for the event, and major industry players such as Monaco Marine, Oceanco, Ferretti Group, Azimut Benetti Group, Sanlorenzo and Lürssen are among the companies involved.

Industry and innovation

Beyond the competition, the event seeks to facilitate collaboration between industry and academia. In 2025, SBM Offshore is increasing its involvement by joining the Corporate Mentoring Programme, supporting first-time participants from the University of Cambridge and the Université Technique de Nantes. The Monaco-based company is providing access to equipment and expertise in fields such as hydrogen technology, assisting students through technical inspections and development phases.

Another key initiative is the Job Forum, which connects students with potential employers. In 2024, 90 interviews were conducted as part of the event, offering students exciting opportunities for internships and entry-level positions in the maritime industry.

The Monaco Energy Boat Challenge has also established itself as a platform for discussions on the future of sustainable yachting. The 2025 edition will feature two key conferences, starting with the Advanced Yachting Technology Conference on 3rd July, which will present an overview of innovations in sustainable maritime technology.

The following day, the sixth Hydrogen and Alternative Fuels Conference, organised by the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation, the Energy Transition Mission and the Yacht Club de Monaco, will examine progress in alternative energy solutions, with a focus on hydrogen.

Advancing clean maritime technology

The competition itself will feature four categories, with the newly introduced AI Class being a notable addition in 2025. This category will explore the application of artificial intelligence in navigation and energy management, with nine teams already confirmed, many of whom have transitioned from the long-running Solar Class.

The Energy Class, which was introduced in 2018, will continue to challenge teams to integrate new propulsion technologies into a standard hull. This year, 21 teams from 14 countries will compete, including returning participants such as Elettra UniGe from the Università di Genova, as well as newcomers such as the University of Puerto Rico at Mayaguez, the Sambuk Racing team from Qatar University and DTU Float Forward from Denmark.

The SeaLab Class will bring together prototype vessels up to 12 metres in length that incorporate alternative energy sources such as green methanol, with one of the eight participating teams representing South Korea, a first-time entrant in the competition. The Open Sea Class, which is open to industry professionals, will present CE-certified zero-emission prototypes of up to 25 metres, with a focus on speed trials rather than endurance-based competition.

Finally, the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation will once again present the Sustainable Yachting Technology Award, which offers a €25,000 prize for the most innovative project in terms of energy efficiency or carbon reduction.

Read related:

YCM inaugurates green hydrogen pontoon, plunging further into sustainable yachting

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: Yacht Club de Monaco

France becomes second EU nation to ban disposable e-cigarettes

by: Stephanie Horsman

20/02/2025

In a landmark decision, France has officially banned the sale, manufacture and distribution of disposable electronic cigarettes, commonly known as “puffs,” becoming only the second EU nation to do so. The ban, driven by both health and environmental concerns, has gone into effect immediately.

The disposable e-cigarettes, known for their sweet flavours, colourful designs and ease of use, have been officially outlawed in France. The country follows in the footsteps of Belgium, which introduced a similar ban on 1st January 2025.

Often marketed as a less dangerous alternative to traditional smoking, products like puffs are nonetheless highly addictive due to their high nicotine content and have proved worryingly popular with adolescents. Moreover, the long-term health effects of inhaling vaporised substances remain uncertain due to limited scientific research.

Beyond the health risks, these disposable e-cigarettes pose a significant environmental threat. Designed for single use, with anything from 200 to 700 puffs depending on the product, they are made from plastic, heavy metals and lithium batteries, making them difficult to recycle. As a consequence, puffs often end up as hazardous waste.

Millions of puffs are improperly discarded each year, contributing to soil and water pollution. By banning these devices, France aims to reduce their ecological footprint and promote more sustainable consumption habits.

The bill to ban puffs, championed by rapporteur MPs Khalifé Khalife and Michel Lauzzana, is part of the National Tobacco Control Programme 2023-2027. The measure gained unanimous support in both the National Assembly and the Senate, highlighting a rare instance of a united front from all parties.

Catherine Vautrin, Minister of Labour, Health, Solidarity and Families, welcomed the decision, stating, “I am delighted with the unanimous adoption of this ban by Parliament, which I had committed to in January 2024. This vote demonstrates a collective awareness of the danger that puffs represent for our children and adolescents. These products too often trap young people in an initial use that can lead to smoking. It is a common sense and responsible measure to protect their health and support families in preventing addictive behaviour.”

France already has strict regulations on vaping. Sales to minors are prohibited, nicotine content is capped at 20 mg/ml and advertising is heavily restricted. With this new ban, authorities will be able to extend their oversight. The General Directorate for Competition, Consumer Affairs and Fraud Control (DGCCRF) will be responsible for ensuring compliance and imposing sanctions on violators.

As France takes this decisive step, the vaping industry will need to adapt to the changing regulatory landscape. This ban sends a strong message about the government’s dedication to safeguarding public health and protecting the environment, setting a precedent for future laws in these arenas.

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Monaco’s teens are ditching cigarettes and alcohol but binge on screen time

Photo source: Romain B., Unsplash

Planning a UK trip? Monégasque travellers will need new entry pass from April 2025

by: Cassandra Tanti

20/02/2025

From 2nd April 2025, Monégasque nationals and residents eligible for visa-free travel to the United Kingdom will be required to obtain an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before departure. The new system applies to short visits for business, tourism, and airport transits.

The ETA is a digital permit allowing entry into the UK for travellers who do not require a visa. The measure will apply to all those exempt from visa requirements, except for British and Irish citizens. Anyone planning to visit the UK for a short stay must secure their ETA before boarding their flight, train, or any other mode of transport to the country.

According to a statement from the Monaco Government on 20th February, eligible European travellers, including those from Monaco, will be able to apply for an ETA from 5th March 2025. From 2nd April 2025, it will become a mandatory entry requirement for Monégasque visitors. The system applies to citizens of visa-exempt countries intending to stay in the UK for less than six months. This includes all EU and EEA nationals, as well as individuals from other eligible nations. The requirement also extends to infants and children, with parents able to apply on their behalf. Those already holding a UK visa or residence permit will not need an ETA.

Applications can be completed online via the official UK government portal or through a mobile app. Travellers will need to provide personal details and passport information, with most requests processed swiftly. However, it is advised to apply at least a few days before departure. The cost of an ETA is £10 per application, and it will remain valid for two years. A new ETA will be required upon passport renewal.

For further details and to apply for an ETA, visit the official UK government website here.

Photo credit: Cassandra Tanti, Monaco Life

Oceanographic Museum of Monaco to welcome new and immersive ‘Mediterranean 2050’ exhibition

by: Stephanie Horsman

20/02/2025

The Oceanographic Institute of Monaco is embarking on a new mission to safeguard marine ecosystems with Mediterranean 2050, an immersive exhibition designed to inspire action for ocean preservation. Housed within the Oceanographic Museum from 29th March, this cutting-edge experience will span over 1,000m², guiding visitors on a journey through time to explore the Mediterranean’s past and present, with a glimpse into a hopeful future where effective conservation methods are in place.

As part of a broader initiative to protect the Mediterranean—an ecosystem teeming with over 17,000 marine species—the Oceanographic Institute of Monaco’s Mediterranean 2050 exhibition seeks to shed light on the urgent environmental challenges threatening this biodiversity hotspot.

Through engaging, interactive displays and stunning projections, visitors will gain a deeper understanding of the sea’s ecological significance and discover tangible solutions to ensure its future.

A journey through time

The exhibition, opening on 29th March at the Oceanographic Museum, will unfold across four thematic zones, beginning with Temple of the Sea, where visitors can step through illuminated portals symbolising a passage through time, guided by majestic marine mammals. The journey will continue in Oceanomania Lounge, home to the world’s largest marine-themed curiosity cabinet, where a towering sperm whale sculpture will come to life with motion-activated projections, narrating the Mediterranean’s past.

Next, visitors can delve into Monaco’s enduring commitments to marine conservation in Oceano Monaco. This space will celebrate the legacies of Prince Albert I, a trailblazer in oceanography, Prince Rainier III, and Prince Albert II, a steadfast advocate for ocean protection. Interactive screens and educational games will highlight the Principality’s ongoing efforts to tackle marine conservation challenges.

See more: Free entry for kids at Monaco’s Oceanographic Museum during the winter holidays

The adventure will then take a leap into the future with Oceano Odyssey. Aboard a virtual underwater vessel, guests can fast-forward to 2050, where the Mediterranean, having met the ambitious 30×30 goal of protecting 30% of marine areas by 2030, is thriving. A 310m² projection will immerse visitors in a vibrant underwater sanctuary, home to iconic species such as loggerhead turtles, swordfish, sharks, sperm whales and Risso’s dolphins.

The journey will culminate with My OCEANO Med, an interactive space where visitors can engage in hands-on conservation challenges, making choices that directly impact virtual marine ecosystems. Through real-time projections, they witness how individual and collective actions influence the delicate balance of the ocean’s flora and fauna, reinforcing the urgency of marine preservation.

For more information on Mediterranean 2050, click here.

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Oceanographic Institute of Monaco launches campaign promoting Marine Protected Areas

Photo credit: James Kitt, Unsplash

Day: 20 February 2025

Interview: Monaco-based icon Victoria Silvstedt set for musical comeback with Eurovision bid