Monaco Life has partnered with Zondacrypto to launch an exclusive competition offering readers the chance to win VIP tickets to AS Monaco’s home fixture against Strasbourg on 31st August. The prize includes six premium hospitality seats and six regular seats, promising an unforgettable match-day experience inside Stade Louis-II.
The giveaway celebrates the excitement of Ligue 1 football while highlighting Monaco’s unique flair for luxury. The six VIP winners will enjoy some of the best seats in the stadium, complete with hospitality, while six further winners will secure regular seats for what promises to be a high-energy showdown.
How to take part
Participants must follow both @MonacoLife_ and @Zondacrypto on Instagram, like the giveaway post and tag two friends in the comments. Every additional comment provides an extra chance to win, while sharing the post to Stories secures bonus entries and greater visibility.
Winners will be chosen at random through a third-party Instagram comment picker tool. The successful entrants will be revealed on 29th August, just 48 hours ahead of the match, with both Monaco Life and Zondacrypto tagging the winners directly in their Stories.
The competition is live now, with entries closing on 29th August.
The European Union is experiencing its most destructive wildfire season on record, with more than one million hectares of land burned so far this year and dangerous concentrations of carbon monoxide linked to the blazes. The milestone, reached on Thursday, marks the first time since records began in 2006 that the area destroyed by flames has surpassed this level.
According to the European Forest Fire Information System (EFFIS), wildfires have consumed 1,016,000 hectares since January, an area larger than Cyprus and almost a third of Belgium. The previous worst year, 2017, saw just under 988,000 hectares burned. This year’s record has been fuelled by an alarming surge in blazes over the past fortnight, with nearly two-thirds of the total area lost since 5th August.
Spain and Portugal hardest hit
The Iberian Peninsula has borne the brunt of the devastation. Spain has lost more than 400,000 hectares, while neighbouring Portugal has seen over 270,000 hectares destroyed — equivalent to three percent of its entire territory. Spanish government data confirms this is the country’s most severe wildfire season since 1994. In both nations, weeks of extreme heat and drought have left forests tinder-dry, turning vast landscapes into fuel for rapidly spreading fires.
Climate change and human failings
Scientists point to climate change as a key driver of the worsening wildfire threat, with heatwaves and droughts increasing in frequency and intensity across southern Europe. Yet experts also highlight structural issues, including abandoned land and excessive flammable vegetation, which make the Iberian Peninsula particularly vulnerable. This week, Spain’s special prosecutor for environmental issues launched an investigation into the lack of preventive measures and fire management planning.
A satellite map from 17th August highlights wildfire hotspots across southern Europe and the Mediterranean, along with dangerous concentrations of carbon monoxide linked to the blazes. Source: European Space Agency
Environmental toll of wildfire emissions
The impact of the fires extends beyond land and communities. EFFIS data shows the EU is now on course for a potential record in fire-related carbon dioxide emissions, as vast quantities of planet-warming gases are released into the atmosphere.
Photo: Satellite imagery from the EU’s Copernicus programme shows vast smoke plumes over Spain and Portugal, providing vital data to help emergency crews track and combat Europe’s record-breaking wildfires. Source: Europan Space Agency
Mascot Malizia, Princess Caroline’s gift linking Monaco to French regiment, passes away
The 17th Parachute Engineer Regiment (17e RGP) has announced the death of its much-loved mascot, Malizia, a majestic sea eagle gifted to the regiment in 2016 by Princess Caroline of Hanover, its official patron. The raptor, described as a “true figure of cohesion”, passed away on Sunday from pancreatitis, leaving what the regiment called “an indelible mark in the history of the 17th”.
Malizia was a female American fisher eagle, born in 2015, who became the only eagle mascot of a European military regiment. She succeeded Bac-Kan, the regiment’s previous bird, who died in 2013 after 15 years of service. Her name paid homage to Francesco Grimaldi, known as Il Malizia, who famously captured Monaco’s fortress in 1297 by disguising himself as a Franciscan monk.
The choice of her breed reflected the American heritage of Princess Grace, mother of Princess Caroline, who has been the regiment’s godmother since 2011. Under the care of her handler, Corporal-Chef Fabien, Malizia became an enduring presence at military ceremonies, open days and official events, embodying the pride, agility and audacity of the parachute engineers.
Photo source: 17e RGM
malizia’s ties with monaco
In February this year, Malizia stole the show during the Changing of the Guard at the Palais Princier de Monaco, joining members of the French contingent in a rare ceremonial appearance. The event highlighted her symbolic link to the Principality, and the strong bond between Monaco and the regiment in Montauban.
a tribute to her service
In their tribute, the regiment described Malizia as a “living symbol” who represented a point of unity for soldiers, their families and the wider community of Montauban. “Malizia leaves an indelible mark in the history of the 17th”, the regiment posted on Facebook, while offering special thanks to Corporal-Chef Fabien for his “exemplary dedication” in caring for her. A worthy successor, they confirmed, will be chosen to continue the tradition.
the regiment’s enduring legacy
The 17th Parachute Engineer Regiment plays a critical role within the French armed forces. Its elite sappers, trained to parachute into some of the most challenging environments, specialise in restoring airstrips, constructing infrastructure and supporting combat operations. Since its first airborne mission during Operation Castor at Dien Bien Phu in 1953, the regiment has been deployed on numerous international operations, including in Mali as part of Operation Serval.
While Malizia’s death marks the end of a chapter, her presence will remain an unforgettable symbol of the regiment’s strength, resilience and enduring connection with Monaco.
With France experiencing a record surge in mosquito-borne diseases this summer, Monaco’s strategy to control its mosquito population has never appeared more vital. The Principality introduced a dedicated mosquito monitoring system in July 2024, and one year on, it continues to serve as a frontline defence against the spread of viruses such as dengue, chikungunya and Zika.
The Ministry of Health and Social Affairs has placed a network of monitoring devices across key areas of Monaco, particularly in public spaces. These traps allow experts to collect and analyse samples every week, ensuring that any trace of arboviruses is quickly identified. If a virus is detected, immediate intervention measures are triggered, ranging from targeted larvicidal treatments to adulticidal spraying, aimed at halting the risk of local transmission.
Containing the tiger mosquito
The tiger mosquito, Aedes albopictus, first reached the Riviera in 2004 and has since become firmly established throughout the Alpes-Maritimes and Monaco. It is the primary vector of dengue and chikungunya in Europe. The Principality’s dense urban environment makes surveillance especially important, as even a single infected mosquito can pose a significant risk if it bites a returning traveller carrying the virus from endemic regions abroad.
Shared responsibility with residents
While public monitoring provides the first line of defence, residents also play a crucial role. The Government urges individuals to protect themselves with mosquito repellents, nets and insecticides, and to eliminate standing water where mosquitoes breed. Those showing symptoms such as high fever, headache or nausea within ten days of returning from an affected region are advised to consult a doctor without delay. Early diagnosis is supported by rapid testing and compulsory reporting of dengue cases to the Department of Health Affairs, ensuring swift containment.
A model of prevention
Monaco’s proactive approach stands in sharp contrast to the unprecedented outbreaks reported in France this summer. By combining scientific monitoring, rapid response capacity and public cooperation, the Principality is aiming not only to limit mosquito populations but also to prevent the establishment of a transmission cycle altogether. The system has already become a key element in safeguarding Monaco’s residents and visitors during the height of the mosquito season.
French authorities have added four more contaminated products to their ongoing cheese recall as the crisis expands internationally, with affected French cheeses now withdrawn from stores across 30 countries.
The latest additions, announced between August 18th and 20th, bring both new Listeria and E.coli contaminations to the recall list that began with the mass withdrawal on August 12th. The domestic crisis has escalated dramatically, with over 20 people in France falling ill and at least two deaths confirmed from consuming contaminated dairy products.
International health authorities have now identified additional cases in Norway, Denmark, Belgium, and the Netherlands, prompting coordinated recalls across global markets including the Unites States, Japan, and Australia.
Listeria Contaminations
Valmartin’s Emmental Râpé (1kg) sold through Promocash stores nationwide has been recalled, affecting products with January 2025 expiry dates distributed between late July and mid-August. Grand Reserva Leonardi Mascarpone Gorgonzola sold through Super U stores covers lot 250714 with August 23rd consumption dates, distributed throughout early August.
E.coli STEC Contaminations
Earl des Chapotons’ raw milk Crottins de Chavignol from lots 25/07 and 28/07 have been withdrawn due to suspected E.coli O145 contamination, sold nationwide between July 28th and August 13th. Additionally, Chèvrerie d’Amélie’s fresh goat cheese sold directly from their Indre farm affects lot 201, though sales were limited to July 21st only.
These new recalls add to the extensive list of Chavignol varieties already withdrawn, including products from Carrefour and Dubois-Boulay, all traced to shared production facilities during early August operations.
The dual bacterial contamination continues to pose significant medical threats. E.coli STEC symptoms typically appear within seven days, causing bloody diarrhea and severe abdominal pain, with children facing particular risk of kidney complications developing in 5-8% of cases.
Listeria infections can remain dormant for up to eight weeks before causing fever, headaches, and muscle pain. Pregnant women, elderly individuals, and immunocompromised consumers face heightened risks of severe, potentially fatal complications.
Consumers should immediately check refrigerators for any recalled products and dispose of contaminated items. All affected products can be returned to retailers for full refunds without receipts. The recalls remain active through September and October.
History has been made on the waters of the Mediterranean as Black Jack 100, owned by Remon Vos of the Yacht Club de Monaco and skippered by Tristan Le Brun of Captain’s Club, stormed across the finish line to win the 20th Palermo–Montecarlo in real time. The 100-foot Maxi not only secured a commanding victory but also demolished its own course record.
Black Jack 100 completed the 500-nautical-mile crossing in just 1 day, 14 hours and 52 minutes – a staggering improvement on last year’s benchmark of 44 hours, 34 minutes and 24 seconds. The result underscores both the boat’s extraordinary potential and the seamless teamwork between owner, skipper and crew. It also places the Monaco entry firmly among the legends of this iconic offshore race.
From Palermo to Monaco, a defining challenge
The Palermo–Montecarlo, which set sail from Sicily on Tuesday, once again tested the fleet with changing winds and tactical decisions around Corsica before the dash to Monaco. For Black Jack 100, the combination of favourable easterlies and skilled navigation proved decisive in setting a new bar for future editions.
Photo source: Yacht Club de Monaco
A proud moment for Monaco
For the Yacht Club de Monaco, the victory carries added significance. As the event marks its 20th anniversary, the success of Black Jack 100 reflects the deep maritime connection between Sicily and Monaco, celebrated throughout the history of the regatta. It is also a triumph for the club’s commitment to fostering excellence in international offshore racing.
The legacy continues
Since its first edition in 2005, the Palermo–Montecarlo has drawn some of sailing’s most renowned names, and this latest victory by Black Jack 100 cements Monaco’s reputation on the global sailing stage. With its new record time, the Maxi has ensured that the 20th anniversary of the race will be remembered as one of its most spectacular chapters.
The Palermo–Montecarlo race is still underway, with the remaining competitors making their way towards the finish line in Monaco.
