From Santana to Scorpions: Monaco’s epic final week of July

22/07/2025

The Principality is set to close out July in fashion, with a line-up of world-class performances ranging from rock legends to classical masterpieces.

Guitar icon Carlos Santana will make his highly anticipated return to Monaco on Wednesday 23rd July, taking the stage at 22:30 at the Salle des Etoiles, Sporting Monte-Carlo on Avenue Princess Grace. The performance, part of the Monte-Carlo Summer Festival 2025, promises what organisers describe as a ‘hypnotic’ experience.

The festival continues its star line-up on Thursday evening with German techno pioneer Paul Kalkbrenner performing at 20:00. Featuring original saxophonist Chris White, the performance promises to deliver the ‘magnificent musical world’ that has captivated generations of rock fans.

The week’s highlight arrives on Saturday with German hard rock legends Scorpions taking the stage at 22:30. The band, which has sold over 100 million albums worldwide, is set to deliver a truly unforgettable evening for rock enthusiasts.

Jazz Meets Mozart

On Thursday 24th July jazz pianist Thomas Enhco will also present ‘Mozart Paradox’ at 21:30 on Avenue de la Quarantine. The innovative performance will showcase Enhco building bridges between jazz and classical music through solo piano improvisations on Mozart’s timeless themes.

Cinema under the stars

Two outdoor experiences will be offered to film enthusiasts on Thursday 24th July. The New National Museum of Monaco on Avenue Princesse Grace presents John Ford’s western classic ‘The Man Who Killed Liberty Valance’ (1962) at 21:30, following free access to the ‘Cactus’ exhibition from 19:00-21:00, with refreshments provided by The Stop.

Meanwhile, the Stade Louis II transforms into an open-air cinema for the first time as part of its 40th anniversary celebrations. Luc Besson’s ‘Valerian et la cité des mille planètes’ will be screened on the stadium’s brand-new giant screen at 20:30, complete with deckchairs and popcorn. Doors open at 19:00, but places are limited and invitations must be collected directly from the Stadium Management (Monday to Friday, 9am-5pm).

Family fun

La Note Bleue at Plage du Larvotto on Avenue Princesse Grace hosts two vibrant musical experiences. Friday sees Carlos Lopes bring his Cabo Verde heritage to the stage with a unique blend of Afro Pop, Soul, Jazz, and R&B at 21:00. Saturday’s highlight features the return of Tamo Junto, the South of France’s ‘most infamous Samba band,’ promising to transport audiences to the heat of Brazilian Carnival with their 21:00 performance.

Families can also enjoy Saturday evening’s fireworks at Quai Albert 1er, beginning at 18:00 with free access to inflatable castles and building to the main fireworks display at 22:30, followed by a DJ set.

Palace performances

The week concludes with two classical performances at the Prince’s Palace. Sunday 27th July sees the Monte-Carlo Philharmonic Orchestra perform Paul McCartney’s ‘Liverpool Oratorio’ in the Cour d’Honneur at the Prince’s Palace on Avenue Princesse Grâce. Conducted by Kazuki Yamada at 21:30, the concert features the CBSO Chorus and Rainier III Academy Children’s Choir in this collaboration between the former Beatle and Carl Davis.

The month’s final concert comes Thursday 31st July with conductor Charles Dutoit leading the Monte-Carlo Philharmonic Orchestra alongside pianist David Fray. The 21:30 concert in the Cour d’Honneur at the Prince’s Palace features Beethoven’s Piano Concerto No.1, Ravel’s ‘Valses nobles et sentimentales,’ and Respighi’s ‘The Pines of Rome’.

Theatre and Practical Information

Theatre enthusiasts can experience ‘Du domaine des murmures’ on Tuesday 29th July at 21:30 on Avenue de la Quarantaine. Based on Carole Martinez’s Prix Goncourt des Lycéens-winning novel, the production tells the story of Esclarmonde, a young woman who refuses marriage and chooses religious seclusion in 12th-century France.

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Main photo credit: Thibault Trillet from Pexels

Von der Leyen unveils bold €2 trillion EU budget with focus on crises, Ukraine, and defence

by: Cassandra Tanti

22/07/2025

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has set out an audacious vision for the bloc’s future, unveiling a €2 trillion budget proposal that promises the most sweeping financial and structural changes the European Union has ever attempted. The budget, covering the 2028–2034 period, reimagines how Europe funds its priorities, in response to years of crises and an evolving global threat landscape.

“This is the most ambitious budget ever,” von der Leyen told reporters on Wednesday, citing a decade of disruption including the COVID-19 pandemic, the war in Ukraine, climate emergencies and trade tensions with China and the United States. Drawing lessons from these challenges, the Commission proposes reducing the current 52 EU programmes to just 16, with a flexible allocation model that leaves part of the budget unassigned to allow rapid crisis response.

A new €400 billion loan facility, described as a standby crisis mechanism, would be activated only in the event of an unforeseen emergency, offering the EU unprecedented financial firepower without tying up resources during normal times.

Controversial funding merger

The budget’s most contentious element is the merging of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) and cohesion funds into a single €865 billion pot, dubbed the National and Regional Partnerships Plans. This unified fund would also absorb spending on social policy, fisheries, migration and border security.

While €300 billion remains earmarked for CAP, this marks a significant real-terms reduction from the current €386.6 billion envelope. Analysts estimate the cut could reach up to 30% once adjusted for inflation. Farming lobbies and large CAP beneficiaries such as France, Italy and Spain have already voiced their opposition, while northern states are expected to back the downsizing.

Rule of law funding conditions

Another structural shift is the expansion of rule-of-law conditions to all EU funds. “The rule of law is a must for all funding from the EU budget,” said von der Leyen. Under the proposal, countries breaching democratic norms could see their funds frozen or redirected. The move will likely face strong resistance from Hungary, where Prime Minister Viktor Orbán has repeatedly clashed with Brussels over governance standards.

Dedicated support for Ukraine

A standout feature of the budget is a dedicated €100 billion envelope for Ukraine’s recovery and reconstruction. This comes in addition to the €50 billion Ukraine Facility already in place and reflects a long-term commitment to Kyiv. Von der Leyen also signalled that future accessions to the EU, including Ukraine and other candidate countries, would trigger a budget revision to accommodate new financial realities.

Investment in European defence

With security high on the agenda, the Commission is proposing €131 billion for defence and space sectors, with a clear “Buy European” strategy. Although EU treaties prevent the direct purchase of weapons, the funds will support defence innovation, infrastructure and supply chain resilience. Investment in military mobility across Europe will also receive a boost to ensure faster and more unified deployment capabilities.

How to fund it all

To finance the expanded budget without directly burdening national treasuries, von der Leyen wants to expand the EU’s “own resources” – income generated independently of member state contributions. Proposed sources include taxes on e-waste, tobacco, multinational corporations, and revenue from emissions trading and carbon import tariffs. If approved, these could bring in €58.5 billion per year, offsetting COVID-era debt repayments and funding new priorities.

Still, the plan hinges on unanimous agreement among the 27 EU member states – a daunting hurdle that has historically tested the limits of European unity.

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Photo source: European Commission Media Department

Christophe Mirmand’s first act as Minister of State: spotlight on Monaco’s fire and rescue heroes

by: Cassandra Tanti

22/07/2025

Just hours after taking his oath before Prince Albert II on 21st July, Monaco’s newly appointed Minister of State turned his attention to the men and women who form the backbone of the Principality’s civil security: the Corps des Sapeurs-pompiers.

Accompanied by Interior Minister Lionel Beffre and Colonel Tony Varo, Commander of the Public Force, Mirmand arrived at the Fontvieille fire station to a full military welcome. He was greeted by Lieutenant-Colonel Laurent Audat, Deputy Chief of the Corps, before reviewing the assembled troops and observing a series of operational demonstrations, including a presentation of Monaco’s Event Management and Rescue Operations Command Centre, as well as equipment briefings at both the Fontvieille and La Condamine stations.

“A flawless protection of residents”

In his address to the personnel, Mirmand commended the professionalism and operational readiness of the Corps. “The attractiveness of Monaco rests first and foremost on the flawless protection of its residents,” he said. “This requires constant vigilance, risk anticipation and unwavering commitment to emergency response – all clear priorities in our governmental action plan.”

The visit concluded with the minister signing the guest book at the Fontvieille fire station.

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Photo credit: Manuel Vitali, Government Communications Department

Christophe Mirmand takes office as Monaco’s new Minister of State

by: Cassandra Tanti

22/07/2025

Prince Albert II officially swore in Christophe Mirmand as Monaco’s Minister of State on 21st July, following his appointment by Sovereign Ordinance earlier this month.

At 63, Christophe Mirmand brings a wealth of administrative and territorial experience to the Principality’s highest executive office. His nomination on 2nd July and subsequent swearing-in mark the close of a transitional period for Monaco’s government and a return to seasoned leadership at the helm.

The official ceremony took place at 11:30am in the Palais Princier, in the presence of Prince Albert II and Princess Charlène. After an audience with the Prince, the couple joined government officials and members of the Princely Cabinet in the Salon des Glaces, where Mirmand’s wife and daughter were also present.

Following a reading of the oath by Prince Albert II, Christophe Mirmand raised his right hand and solemnly declared: “Je le jure” (I swear it). The act was formalised by Secretary of State Yvette Lambin Berti, who read aloud the official transcript.

*Photo credit: Éric Mathon / Palais princier*

Prince Albert II acknowledged the significance of the moment, praising Mirmand’s “perfect knowledge of the administrative and territorial fabric”, a reflection of his deep-rooted public service in roles such as Prefect of the Alpes-Maritimes and of the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region.

Mirmand succeeds Isabelle Berro-Amadeï, who had served in an interim capacity since January following the sudden departure of Didier Guillaume.

A career built on territorial governance

A graduate of Sciences Po Paris and the École Nationale d’Administration (ENA), Mirmand’s civil service career spans nearly four decades. He holds degrees in financial management, international and European law, and history. Beginning in 1988 as sub-prefect and director of cabinet in Basse-Normandie, he held numerous appointments across mainland France and overseas territories.

One early role included serving as director of cabinet to Jean-Paul Proust, then Prefect of Guadeloupe, who would later become Monaco’s own Minister of State from 2005 to 2010 — a symbolic link between the two men.

A deep-rooted connection to the region

Mirmand’s prefectural service extended across Haute-Loire, Savoie, Corsica, Brittany, and eventually Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur, where he succeeded Pierre Dartout in 2020. He now follows Dartout once again, this time into the Minister of State post.

He has also sat on the boards of Aéroports de la Côte d’Azur and the Grand Port Maritime de Marseille-Fos, reinforcing his strong ties to the region’s strategic infrastructure.

National honours and central government experience

Within France’s Ministry of the Interior, Mirmand rose to become Director of Territorial Administration and later Secretary General. Most recently, he served as chief of staff to the Minister of State for Overseas Territories under Manuel Valls. He is recognised as an Officer of both the Legion of Honour and the National Order of Merit, reflecting the depth and breadth of his public service.

Christophe Mirmand’s arrival is expected to bring a stabilising force to Monaco’s executive leadership, blending institutional continuity with an expansive vision shaped by years of frontline governance.

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Photo credit: Éric Mathon / Palais princier

Café Lacoste opens at Le Méridien Monaco, blending sport-chic style with French culinary flair

by: Cassandra Tanti

22/07/2025

French fashion house Lacoste has opened its first-ever café at Le Méridien Beach Plaza in Monaco, partnering with the Giraudi Group to create a dining concept rooted in the brand’s signature balance of understated style and sport-inspired heritage.

Café Lacoste is the latest extension of the brand’s lifestyle universe, offering guests a curated menu that reflects both its aesthetic and values. Located at the eastern end of Larvotto, the venue is now open daily from 9am to 2am, with a long-term vision and plans to expand internationally, beginning with Paris.

Giraudi brings a Monégasque edge to a French icon

Lacoste entrusted Monaco-based restaurateur Riccardo Giraudi to develop the concept and culinary direction. The result is a menu that blends familiar hotel dining staples with reinterpreted French classics.

“For our collaboration with Lacoste, we wanted to offer a unique experience, combining freshness, balance and innovative flavours,” said Thierry Paludetto, Executive Chef of the Giraudi Group. “Each dish reflects the brand’s elegance and energy through exceptional ingredients and bold combinations.”

A menu of subtle references and bold flavours

The menu features refined takes on comfort dishes, such as club sandwiches with tennis-inspired names like the Practice, alongside Coquillettes, Baguette à l’assiette and fresh seasonal salads.

Desserts bring added flair, including the pistachio Crocodile, the Terre Battue tiramisu, and the Tarte Victorine, a nod to René Lacoste’s wife. Eight signature cocktails round out the offering, including Le Chose, a revived creation from the brand’s founder in the 1960s.

Design that wears the crocodile proudly

There is nothing understated about the interior of Café Lacoste. The brand’s identity is on full display, from deep green tones and textured finishes to a sand-coloured carpet that echoes the clay courts of the Monte-Carlo Country Club.

A giant crocodile stretches across the main wall, while smaller motifs appear unapologetically on pillows and detailing throughout. It’s a bold, immersive environment that captures the energy of the Lacoste name. Outside, the terrace offers a calmer, sea-facing contrast — open and informal, yet still distinctly on brand.

A brand evolution anchored in lifestyle

With its first café now open in Monaco, Lacoste is charting a new course that builds on its heritage while expanding into the lifestyle and hospitality space.

See more in Cassandra Tanti’s video below…

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Photo credit: Marion Butet Studio

Day: 22 July 2025