Prince Albert II was welcomed at the Presidential Palace in Vilnius on Friday 29th August by Lithuanian President Gitanas Nausėda. The meeting comes at a pivotal time for Europe, with both nations seeking to broaden cooperation and confront global challenges together.
According to a statement by the Palace, talks between the two leaders went far beyond formalities. Economic exchange, cultural initiatives, tourism, sport and the use of digital tools in healthcare were all on the table, reflecting a mutual desire to modernise and strengthen bilateral ties. Climate action, a cause long championed by Prince Albert II, also featured prominently, with both states pledging closer cooperation on sustainability.
Shared stance on Ukraine
The war in Ukraine framed the geopolitical backdrop to the encounter. The two Heads of State closed their talks by issuing a united call for peace, highlighting Monaco’s active diplomatic voice on the international stage and Lithuania’s proximity to the ongoing conflict.
A meeting with symbolic weight
Beyond agreements and statements, the visit carried symbolic weight. For Monaco, it reaffirmed the Principality’s place in European diplomacy; for Lithuania, it highlighted the importance of alliances, both large and small, in the pursuit of security, innovation and shared prosperity.
The 13th edition of Monaco Business, the Principality’s annual showcase for companies, will take place on Thursday 18th September at the Sea Club of the Méridien Beach Plaza, under the High Patronage of Prince Albert II.
Dedicated to entrepreneurs from Monaco and the Riviera, Monaco Business has become a cornerstone of the Principality’s economic calendar. This year’s event will gather more than 1,000 decision-makers, with 50 exhibitorspresenting their products and services, and five expert-led conferences offering in-depth insights into today’s most pressing economic and technological challenges.
The salon is built around four key themes: boosting business, finding solutions, attracting new clients and forging partnerships. It also continues to serve as a unique entry point for startups seeking visibility and growth, as well as for business leaders interested in establishing themselves in Monaco.
Building on past successes
The 2024 edition saw the signing of a cooperation agreement between the Monaco Economic Board and the Chamber of Commerce and Industry Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur, further strengthening ties between Monaco and the region. A live TV platform also hosted Les Leaders ont la parole, offering interviews and debates with influential voices from across the business community.
For 2025, attendees can expect an equally rich programme, with conferences designed to encourage interaction and knowledge sharing, and networking spaces dedicated to fostering new professional connections.
A hub for startups and established companies
The exhibition areas will showcase a diverse ecosystem: from established Monégasque and Riviera companies to innovative startups working in digital and new technologies. Dedicated zones will also highlight services for businesses, including the stand Une Administration de Proximité, bringing together representatives from the Direction du Développement Économique, the Mission pour la Transition Énergétique and other key institutions.
A networking lounge and coaching workshops will complete the experience, ensuring both seasoned executives and young entrepreneurs leave with new ideas and opportunities.
Recognising excellence
This year will also continue the tradition of the Monaco Business Prize, awarded to an outstanding company for innovation, building on the success of last year’s award to Laboratoires Asepta, a Monégasque dermo-cosmetics company employing nearly 150 people.
AS Monaco Basketball have officially opened online ticketing for their first home games of the 2025/26 season at Gaston Médecin, with demand already sky-high. More than 1,300 season tickets were snapped up during the summer and are now completely sold out, underlining the excitement around the Principality’s basketball powerhouse.
Fans will not have to wait long for top-level action. In the first week of October, the Roca Team will welcome Zalgiris Kaunas and Dubai in EuroLeague fixtures, before shifting focus to domestic competition with a Betclic Elite clash against Élan Chalon. These early matches promise to set the tone for a demanding season in both Europe and France.
A busy warm-up schedule
Before official competition begins, Monaco are fine-tuning preparations with a string of friendlies. They will host Aris Thessaloniki on 8th and 9th September, before travelling to Cyprus for a pre-season tournament against Olympiakos, Red Star Belgrade, and Paris Basketball on 13th and 14th September.
SuperCup showdown to follow
The month concludes with the French SuperCup, where Monaco will meet Boulazac on 20th September, followed by a clash with either Paris Basketball or Le Mans the next day. These encounters will provide a first glimpse of Adama Traoré’s squad against domestic rivals, sharpening their edge ahead of the long campaign.
Season of high expectations
With ticket sales surging and continental heavyweights set to arrive in Monaco from the very start, anticipation around Gaston Médecin is palpable. The Principality will be hoping their Roca Team can once again combine flair, consistency and ambition as they set out to conquer both the EuroLeague and the Betclic Elite this season.
AS Monaco has secured the signing of 20‑year‑old Belgian U21 international Stanis Idumbo on a five‑year contract, setting the stage for a promising blend of pace and creativity in the Principality’s attack.
AS Monaco announced on that Stanis Idumbo, a 20‑year‑old Belgian U21 attacking midfielder, has committed to a five‑year deal until 30th June 2030.Born in June 2005 in Melun (Seine‑et‑Marne), he honed his talents in Belgium with Club Bruges and Gent before entering the renowned Ajax Academy.
From Ajax to La Liga and now Ligue 1
At Ajax, Idumbo made a striking impression with the U18s — 13 goals and 16 assists in 33 matches — before stepping into professional football with Jong Ajax in the Dutch second division, debuting on 6th January 2023 versus FC Eindhoven and tallying 23 appearances and three goals. In January 2024, he moved to Sevilla, initially featuring in the reserves, helping them win the Spanish fourth division, and was swiftly promoted to the first team. He made his La Liga debut on 1st September 2024 against Girona and scored his first senior goal on 20th October against FC Barcelona, finishing his tenure with 18 appearances in all competitions.
Striking qualities and ambition ahead
Known for his speed, explosiveness and versatility across the attacking line — particularly on the left — Idumbo brings a fresh, dynamic dimension to Monaco’s frontline. Transfer reports suggest the deal may be worth around €10 million, including add‑ons, representing a significant return on Sevilla’s initial €150,000 outlay and reflecting strong sporting and sporting‑director alignment.
A fresh chapter begins
Idumbo steps into Ligue 1 ready to prove himself in Monaco’s iconic diagonal jersey, donning number 17. With experience across Belgium, the Netherlands and Spain — and with national youth caps already under his belt — he headlines a promising new chapter for AS Monaco.
A major chapter in Monaco’s cultural life is coming to a close as the Principality’s three Médiathèque sites prepare to shut temporarily before reopening together under one roof later this year.
The Bibliothèque Louis Notari, Vidéothèque-Sonothèque José Notari, and Bibliothèque Princesse Caroline-Ludothèque will close to the public on Saturday 20th September. On the eve of this milestone, Friday 19th September, a festive evening from 6pm to 10pm at the Bibliothèque Louis Notari will bring staff and the public together for a symbolic farewell filled with music, conviviality and shared memories.
A new cultural hub
The weeks that follow will see an ambitious move as all three services are brought together at a new address on 5 Promenade Honoré II. The building, named Médiathèque Caroline, was unveiled earlier this year by Mayor Georges Marsan and his first deputy Camille Svara, Delegate to the Médiathèque. Designed as a modern and welcoming space, it will cater to children, teenagers, families, students and researchers alike.
What awaits at Médiathèque Caroline
The centralised structure will continue to provide Monaco with a wide-ranging cultural offering, free and accessible to all. Visitors can look forward to simplified access to collections, digital services, and cultural events, while also enjoying a place for meetings, exchanges and learning.
Grand reopening in December
The official reopening of Médiathèque Caroline is set for Thursday 11th December 2025, when the public will be welcomed into the new space. Until then, the Médiathèque invites readers to explore its extensive digital offer on mediatheque.mc, including press, film, music, literature and training. Updates on the move and sneak peeks of the new venue will also be shared on the Médiathèque’s Facebook and Instagram pages.
Monaco United Women’s Football Club has wrapped up its pre-season training as it prepares for its debut in French competition, with head coach Marco Simone praising the progress of his newly assembled squad.
The new club, which only began training 10 days before their first fixture, has already made its mark with two important pre-season friendlies.
Monaco United’s first match saw them travel to Arles to face Arles-Avignon Women, where they secured a 5-1 victory. During the match, former French international Marina Makanza, who earned 15 caps for her country, scored the club’s first-ever goal from the penalty spot.
“I am very satisfied with the quality and progression of the team in such a short time,” said Simone, reflecting on his team’s early performance. “After only 10 training sessions, it’s impossible for everything to be perfectly in place, but I saw real consistency between the work done and what the players delivered on the pitch.”
However, the club’s second friendly proved more challenging, with Monaco United travelling to Milan to face AS Milan’s Under-19 women’s side at the Puma House of Football Centre. The occasion was particularly meaningful for coach Simone, who returned to his former club where he spent nine seasons as a striker.
Despite suffering a 5-1 defeat against one of Europe’s top football academies, the Italian head coach viewed the experience as invaluable for his developing squad. The team delivered a competitive first half full of intensity and commitment, but found the second period more difficult against Milan’s experience and quality.
Monaco United Women vs AS Milan’s Under-19, photo credit: Monaco United
Historic derby awaits
The football calendar has delivered a historic first for Monaco, with the Principality set to witness its first-ever women’s derby on Sunday, September 14th at 3pm. Monaco United will face AS Monaco Women’s second team (ASMFF) in the opening match day of the 2025/26 Women’s Division 5 championship.
“The great beauty of this project is that its has created true competition in Monaco between clubs dedicated to women’s football,” Simone explained. “I believe this will help us progress with greater determination, to push the game forward and make it a permanent part of our sporting culture.”
The derby comes just one week after Monaco United’s competitive debut away at FC Carros in the French Cup on Sunday, September 7th.
The club has also secured Groupe Marzocco as official sponsor for the 2025/26 campaign.
“Women’s football is still too often underestimated, but we are convinced of its importance and the following will only continue to grow,” said company head Claudio Marzocco. “By supporting this initiative, we want to contribute to the rise of women in football, through an ambitious project which, starting from the local level, is destined to develop to the highest stages.”
