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Month: April 2025

Monaco strengthens its fight against organised crime with European @ON network partnership

by: Cassandra Tanti
18/04/2025

Monaco has joined the @ON network, a European anti-mafia initiative spearheaded by Europol and Eurojust, enhancing it’s capacity to coordinate cross-border investigations and collaborate more effectively in the fight against transnational criminal networks.

On 4th April, representatives from the Italian Anti-Mafia Directorate (DIA) travelled to Monaco to formalise the Principality’s participation in the @ON project. The European-wide initiative, launched in 2018, is designed to foster cooperation between member states in the fight against organised crime, with a particular focus on mafia-type structures and transnational criminal groups.

The @ON project is coordinated by Europol and Eurojust and allows law enforcement agencies across Europe to rapidly share intelligence, coordinate field operations and deploy specialised investigators to crime scenes. Monaco’s involvement in this strategic network marks a significant step in aligning its internal security policies with wider European efforts against organised criminal activities.

The official agreement was signed at the headquarters of the Monaco Police Department. Representing the two sides were General Michele Carbone of the DIA and Monaco’s Director of Public Security, Eric Arella. The event was attended by Monaco’s Ambassador to Italy Anne Eastwood and Italy’s Ambassador to Monaco Manuela Ruosi.

The access to real-time intelligence and operational support offered by @ON is expected to significantly bolster the Principality’s tools in addressing sophisticated criminal threats.

Monaco Life is produced by a team of real multi-media journalists writing original content. See more in our free newsletter, follow our Podcasts on Spotify, and check us out on  Facebook,  Instagram,  LinkedIn and Tik Tok. 

 

Monaco tightens vehicle control measures ahead of Top Marques and Grand Prix events

by: Cassandra Tanti
18/04/2025

With major car events bringing high-powered vehicles and thrill-seeking drivers to Monaco this May, the Princely Government is ramping up enforcement to crack down on reckless driving and keep the streets safe.

The Princely Government has announced reinforced security and traffic measures in anticipation of two major events: Top Marques Monaco, scheduled from 7th to 11th May, and the 82nd Formula One TAG Heuer Grand Prix de Monaco, which will take place from 22nd to 25th May. These big-name events tend to draw crowds of flashy sports cars and supercars to the Principality, often sparking unofficial meetups that can cause disruptions and lead to traffic violations.

While these impromptu automotive gatherings are not part of the official event programming, authorities have observed a recurring pattern of dangerous driving and inappropriate behaviour from certain vehicle owners.

To help keep things under control, the government is bringing in tougher measures aimed at keeping the peace and protecting residents’ quality of life.

One of the main steps being brought back is longer vehicle impound times for anyone caught breaking traffic laws during the events. If a driver violates the road code, their vehicle will be immediately immobilised—for up to 120 hours. This rule, which has worked well in past years, is aimed at those causing noise, traffic disruptions, or posing safety risks with reckless driving.

It’s all part of Monaco’s ongoing effort to keep things calm and orderly, especially during busy times when the city is buzzing with tourists and global attention. Locals and visitors alike are being asked to follow the rules and help ensure these major events run smoothly.

Monaco Life is produced by a team of real multi-media journalists writing original content. See more in our free newsletter, follow our Podcasts on Spotify, and check us out on  Facebook,  Instagram,  LinkedIn and Tik Tok.   

Photo source: Government Communication Department

Lagos to host Africa’s first E1 electric raceboat championship this October

by: Cassandra Tanti
18/04/2025

Lagos will welcome the world’s first all-electric raceboat series on the 4th and 5th October, marking the UIM E1 World Championship’s debut on the African continent. The city joins Monaco, Miami and Doha on the 2025 race calendar in what promises to be a groundbreaking event for electric marine sport and sustainability in Africa.

The vibrant city of Lagos, home to over 21 million residents, is set to host Africa’s first-ever E1 World Championship race this autumn. The event, part of the UIM E1 series presented by PIF, will see the futuristic RaceBirds take flight on the Lagos Lagoon, symbolising a new chapter in clean marine mobility and positioning Nigeria as a global hub for innovation in sustainable sport.

Lagos joins a prestigious line-up of E1 host cities including Monaco, Doha and Miami. As the championship’s footprint expands into a fourth continent, the organisers say Lagos was a natural fit due to its strong focus on technology and its growing eco-conscious initiatives. The city’s coastal infrastructure and entrepreneurial energy made it an ideal venue for Africa’s first E1 race.

Nine teams will compete in the event, each owned by globally recognised figures including Tom Brady, Rafael Nadal, Will Smith, LeBron James and Africa’s own Didier Drogba, who is also a co-owner of Team Drogba. Their shared mission is to advance electric mobility on water while championing environmental restoration of coastal areas through high-performance sport.

The event is backed by a newly appointed African consortium led by the Didier Drogba Foundation, Lilium Capital Group, and the Fund for Export Development in Africa (FEDA), the impact investment arm of Afreximbank. Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu hailed the event as a “moment of pride” for the city and a strategic platform to highlight Lagos as a forward-thinking capital for sustainable development.

Didier Drogba called the moment “a dream come true”, adding that the race will not only showcase the city’s beauty and ambition, but also reinforce Africa’s role in pioneering innovation. E1 Chairman Alejandro Agag echoed the sentiment, describing Lagos as “a stunning location with big ambitions”, while CEO Rodi Basso noted the race was a key step in building a global sporting platform that accelerates cleaner technologies on water.

Monaco Life is produced by a team of real multi-media journalists writing original content. See more in our free newsletter, follow our Podcasts on Spotify, and check us out on  Facebook,  Instagram,  LinkedIn and Tik Tok. 

 

Monaco to host first-ever Early Childhood Day under patronage of Princess Charlene

by: Elsa Carpenter
18/04/2025

This May, Monaco’s Early Childhood and Families Service is launching a brand-new event dedicated to early childhood, the Journée de la Petite Enfance. With the support of Princess Charlene, the open event will connect families with local professionals in a bid to offer greater support and advice to parents and guardians living in the Principality.

On Saturday 17th May, the Parc Princesse Antoinette in the Jardin Exotique neighbourhood will play host to the Journée de la Petite Enfance. Running from 10.30am to 3.30pm, the day will feature a wide range of free activities designed for all ages, from babies and toddlers to older children and their wider families.

There will be workshops focused on motor skills, creativity, language and sensory play for little ones, while bigger kids will be treated to a treasure hunt and ping-pong tournament organised by the Larvotto Mini-Club. For parents, themed conferences will offer insight into various aspects of parenting.

The event also serves to introduce families to the educational services available across Monaco’s crèches and the Mini-Club, while shining a light on the vital work of the people who keep them running. From nursery staff and admin teams to kitchen and maintenance workers, more than 80 professionals will be present to answer questions and share their experience.

See more: Mini-Club at Larvotto reopens for summer with registration starting mid-April

Monaco’s Mayor Georges Marsan has described the initiative as a key campaign promise brought to life.

“This day marks the realisation of one of our campaign promises. It was especially close to the hearts of the Early Childhood & Families Service and the Communal Council,” he said.

Meanwhile, Deputy Mayor Chloé Boscagli, who oversees the Petite Enfance department, has praised the enthusiasm of the teams involved.

“They’ve worked with passion to offer this opportunity to discover the world of early childhood and to connect with the professionals who devote themselves to it daily,” she said. “It will be a fun, informative and welcoming day for all.”

Read related:

Monaco’s Parent Spaces: thee months of helpful and supportive workshops for families

 

Monaco Life is produced by a team of real multi-media journalists writing original content. See more in our free newsletter, follow our Podcasts on Spotify, and check us out on  Facebook,  Instagram,  LinkedIn and Tik Tok.  

Photo source: Cottonbro Studio, Pexels

Vatican honours Monaco’s ambassador with highest diplomatic award

by: Cassandra Tanti
17/04/2025

Monaco’s Ambassador to the Holy See, Philippe Orengo, has been awarded the Knight Grand Cross of the Order of Pius IX, the highest honour granted by the Vatican to foreign diplomats.

The distinction, known as the Ordre Pian, was conferred by Pope Francis on the occasion of the 12th anniversary of his pontificate. The title recognises exceptional diplomatic service and is rarely bestowed. Ambassador Orengo was presented with the insignia during a ceremony in the Salle des Parements of the Apostolic Palace, led by Archbishop Edgar Peña Parra, Substitute for General Affairs at the Secretariat of State.

The Grand Cross is the most senior class of the Order of Pius IX and is traditionally reserved for heads of state, high-ranking officials and ambassadors accredited to the Holy See who have demonstrated outstanding commitment to their roles. With the authorisation of H.S.H. Prince Albert II, Ambassador Orengo accepted the award on behalf of the Principality.

Philippe Orengo has served as Monaco’s ambassador to both the Holy See and the Sovereign Order of Malta. Throughout his tenure, he has contributed to strengthening diplomatic ties and supporting shared humanitarian and interfaith goals. His recognition by the Vatican underscores the significance of Monaco’s longstanding relationship with the Holy See.

The Order of Pius IX was instituted in 1847 by Pope Pius IX and remains one of the oldest and most prestigious papal honours still in use. Ambassador Orengo now joins a select group of diplomats who have received this rare accolade.

Monaco Life is produced by a team of real multi-media journalists writing original content. See more in our free newsletter, follow our Podcasts on Spotify, and check us out on  Facebook,  Instagram,  LinkedIn and Tik Tok.

Main photo: Philippe Orengo, Monaco’s Ambassador to the Holy See and the Sovereign Order of Malta, receives the rank of Knight Grand Cross of the Order of Pius IX from Archbishop Edgar Peña Parra, Substitute for General Affairs of the Secretariat of State. Source: Vatican Media

Dubrovnik joins elite E1 race calendar as electric championship expands

by: Cassandra Tanti
17/04/2025

Dubrovnik will host a round of the all-electric E1 World Championship next summer, marking Croatia’s debut in the innovative marine racing series that already includes Monaco, Jeddah and Miami on its calendar.

The E1 Dubrovnik GP 2025 is set to take place on 13th and 14th June. The race will unfold in the Adriatic Sea between the city’s ancient walls and Lokrum Island, providing a dramatic stage for the futuristic RaceBird vessels to compete against the backdrop of Dubrovnik’s UNESCO-listed Old Town.

The championship, which has attracted teams backed by global stars including Tom Brady, Will Smith and Rafael Nadal, features mixed-gender racing teams and aims to pair elite sport with environmental advocacy. Race weekends combine intense competition with community-driven efforts to promote ocean regeneration and sustainability.

Croatia’s Minister of Tourism and Sport, Tonči Glavina, welcomed the event’s arrival, describing it as an opportunity to raise the country’s international profile and underline its commitment to hosting world-class sporting spectacles. Adriatic Luxury Hotels Chairman Davor Luksic said the partnership was aligned with a broader strategy of positioning Dubrovnik as a destination that embraces both innovation and sustainability.

E1 Series founders Alejandro Agag and Rodi Basso both praised the addition of Dubrovnik to the championship’s growing roster, highlighting the city’s maritime legacy and natural appeal. The local organising team, led by Alen Bošković and Žarko Knego, said the race would blend heritage and cutting-edge sport in a way that celebrates both Dubrovnik’s past and its forward-facing ambitions.

Monaco Life is produced by a team of real multi-media journalists writing original content. See more in our free newsletter, follow our Podcasts on Spotify, and check us out on  Facebook,  Instagram,  LinkedIn and Tik Tok.