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Day: 6 June 2025

Monaco launches second phase of national housing plan for Monegasques

by: Cassandra Tanti
06/06/2025

The Monegasque government has unveiled the next phase of its ambitious housing initiative, confirming that a second wave of high-quality state-owned apartments will be delivered from 2025 to 2029. 

Since the plan was first outlined by Prince Albert II in 2019, Monaco has invested €1.5 billion in public housing, resulting in 633 new apartments by the end of this year. That equates to an average of 105 units delivered annually, and marks what officials describe as a historic level of spending in the sector. While the government claims the first phase has addressed “the great majority” of national housing needs, demand remains high.

New construction to continue through 2029

The second phase, presented to the National Council this week, will see five major developments added to Monaco’s domanial housing stock. These include 197 units at Bel Air, up to 90 at Hector Otto, 50 at Résidence Héméra – Bloc A, 35 at Larvotto Supérieur, and 27 at La Luciole. The government says these projects will allow for a steady pace of deliveries through to 2029.

Target to house three-quarters of nationals

According to the current trajectory, officials expect that nearly 75% of Monegasques will be living in state-owned properties by the end of the decade. From 2030 onwards, delivery schedules will be adjusted based on demographic data provided by Monaco’s statistics office, IMSEE. The plan will be reviewed every five years to account for population shifts and changing housing demands.

Allocation system overhaul by 2026

A separate reform of the housing allocation system was also announced. The government says it will introduce a new methodology by the end of 2026 aimed at increasing the frequency of apartment allocations and better reflecting the preferences of applicants. Details of how this system will operate remain limited, but the plan was presented as part of a broader effort to make state housing more accessible and responsive.

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 of Larvotto, credit: Cassandra Tanti, Monaco Life

Monaco’s bees take centre stage at the 2025 APIdays celebration

by: Cassandra Tanti
06/06/2025

Bees are buzzing back into the spotlight this June as Monaco celebrates APIdays, a national event with a sweet message: our buzzing friends need love, protection, and a bit of celebration too.

On Friday 13th and Saturday 14th June, from 9am to 5pm, the Jardin de l’Unesco in Fontvieille will transform into a lively hive of activity, welcoming families, nature lovers and curious passers-by to explore the world of bees. This year’s theme, Bees and flowers, love stories to save, is as charming as it is urgent, reminding us just how vital pollinators are to our planet’s balance.

Since 2011, Monaco has worked with the French National Beekeeping Union (UNAF) through the Abeille, sentinelle de l’environnement programme. The Principality now hosts several high-tech hives that gather important data on the health of local bee populations — a task more crucial than ever with pesticides, monoculture, climate change and invasive predators like the Asian hornet threatening their survival.

But APIdays isn’t just about facts and figures. It’s a hands-on, honey-scented adventure. Kids and adults alike can roll up their sleeves for honey extraction workshops, make their own beeswax candles, and dive into the fascinating universe of the hive through fun games and learning stations.

It’s the kind of event that turns education into an experience, and a weekend stroll into a chance to fall in love with nature all over again. So bring the kids, invite your neighbours, and get ready to meet the most hardworking creatures in Monaco — the bees.

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

Women of Monaco Lunch to return with focus on education for Ethiopian girls

by: Cassandra Tanti
06/06/2025

The 12th edition of the Women of Monaco Lunch will take place on Thursday 12th June at the Hôtel Hermitage Monte-Carlo, bringing together some of the Principality’s most influential women in support of a humanitarian cause with far-reaching impact.

Organised by 5 Stars Events and founded by Sandrine Knoell, the annual lunch has become a flagship moment in Monaco’s social calendar. This year, the event will raise funds for the Association Monaco Aide et Présence (MAP), specifically its work supporting the ‘Trampled Rose’ programme in Ethiopia. The initiative provides education and protection for young girls at risk of early marriage and social marginalisation. According to MAP, 140 girls are currently enrolled in school thanks to the programme, giving them access to full-time education and, with it, a chance to reshape their futures.

MAP President Donatella Campioni is expected to attend the lunch, which will be held at midday in the gardens of the Hôtel Hermitage, one of Monaco’s most prestigious settings. The event continues to receive strong backing from Barclays Private Bank, whose ongoing partnership supports the development of women-led initiatives in the Principality.

A celebration of creativity and female leadership

Guests from the exclusive Women of Monaco Club – an invitation-only network of international women leaders and professionals – will attend the event, which blends philanthropy with art and fashion. Highlights this year include an exhibition and presentation by Anna-Lena Strasse of fine jewellery brand Maison Aneka, alongside a fashion show from designer Luna E Sole.

While the lunch is private, the message is public: empowering women and girls, whether in Monaco or Ethiopia, remains a global responsibility. Organisers hope this year’s edition will not only raise funds, but also awareness of the challenges facing young girls around the world, and the role that Monaco’s community can play in changing their trajectories.

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 from left to right: Diana Chanas, Barclays Private Bank, Camille Franchini, Barclays Private Bank, Montserrat Marchetti, Barclays Private Bank, Sandrine Knoell, l’organisatrice des Women of Monaco Lunch & Club, Aude Berrin, Barclays Private Bank, Valerie Génin, Barclays Private Bank