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Day: 18 November 2025

Princess Caroline presents Princess Stéphanie with Monaco’s cultural honour

by: Cassandra Tanti
18/11/2025

In one of the more intimate moments of Monaco’s Fête Nationale celebrations, two sisters at the heart of the Principality’s public life took centre stage at the Palais Princier on Tuesday 18th November — one to honour, and the other to be honoured.

Princess Stéphanie was awarded the rank of Commander in the Ordre du Mérite Culturel, the highest distinction of its kind, in recognition of her decades-long dedication to Monaco’s cultural and social landscape. The medal was presented by her elder sister, Caroline Princess of Hanover, President of the Conseil d’Honneur of the order, in a ceremony that blended formality with quiet familial pride.

Held in the Salon Bleu, the annual event celebrates individuals whose work and commitment have contributed to Monaco’s cultural vitality — whether through music, heritage, visual arts or community engagement. In Princess Stéphanie’s case, her championing of the circus arts and her leadership in charitable initiatives formed the cornerstone of her recognition.

Princess Caroline, in her speech, reminded attendees that culture is not a luxury but “a common good”, and praised this year’s recipients as “poets of gesture and material, transmitters of emotion and meaning”.

Prince Albert II with his sisters Princess Caroline of Hanover and Princess Stephanie, with her son Louis Ducruet and daughter Camille Gottlieb. Photo credit: Frédéric Nebinger, Prince’s Palace

Recognising cultural voices, past and present

The ceremony also paid homage to historic cultural figures with ties to Monaco, including Joséphine Baker, who found a final home in the Principality, and avant-garde composer Pierre Boulez. Their influence, said Caroline, continues to echo in Monaco’s artistic identity.

In total, seven individuals were honoured this year across diverse fields — from art curation and music composition to heritage conservation and cultural diplomacy. Their achievements, Caroline noted, reflect “a culture that dialogues with history, nature, and modernity”.

Among the honourees were Björn Dahlström, director of the Nouveau Musée National de Monaco; composer Bruno Mantovani; comic artist and writer Damien Mac Donald; and curator Ashok Adicéam. The awards also recognised Isabelle Minioni for her role in cultural mediation, and Pierre Nouvion Duboys de Lavigerie for his ongoing contribution to Monaco’s historical preservation.

The Ordre du Mérite Culturel was created in 1952 to formally acknowledge those who enrich the intellectual and artistic life of the Principality.

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Photo credit: Frédéric Nebinger, Prince’s Palace

Monaco assumes presidency of the Pelagos Agreement for marine mammal protection

by: Cassandra Tanti
18/11/2025

Monaco has officially taken over the presidency of the Pelagos Agreement, a key trilateral accord between France, Italy and the Principality aimed at protecting marine mammals in the Mediterranean. The announcement was made during the 10th Meeting of the Parties, held in Monaco on 12 and 13 November 2025.

Madame Isabelle Rosabrunetto, Director General of Monaco’s Department of External Relations and Cooperation, led the proceedings across two days of intense discussions. Delegates from all three countries, along with regional partners and marine conservation stakeholders, gathered to assess progress and set future priorities for the Sanctuary.

A Shared Mission for Mediterranean Conservation

Created over 25 years ago, the Pelagos Agreement represents a shared commitment to safeguarding marine mammal populations in one of the world’s busiest maritime zones. The Pelagos Sanctuary itself spans 87,500 square kilometres — from the Giens Peninsula in France, across Tuscany and down to northern Sardinia — forming a marine protected area home to whales, dolphins and porpoises.

“The Principality of Monaco will assume, with determination and a spirit of continuity, the presidency of the Meeting of the Parties for the next two years,” Prince Albert II said in a message delivered to attendees. “This responsibility reflects our commitment to deepening cooperation between the three countries, strengthening implementation mechanisms, and continuing awareness efforts, particularly among younger generations.”

Strengthening Regional and Global Cooperation

Looking ahead, Monaco plans to expand the Agreement’s reach and impact. This includes strengthening collaboration with other Mediterranean and international organisations focused on marine conservation. As the new presiding nation, Monaco will continue advancing scientific research, regional coordination, and public awareness around marine mammal protection.

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Photo credit: Stephane Danna, Government Communications Department

‘Repair is Fair’: Oceanographic Museum to host hands-on sustainability day for youth

by: Cassandra Tanti
18/11/2025

Monaco’s Oceanographic Museum is getting ready to welcome local students for a fun and interactive day of learning about sustainability, as part of the 2025 European Week for Waste Reduction. The event, called Repair is Fair, will take place on Tuesday 25th November and aims to show kids how small everyday actions — like fixing broken gadgets or upcycling old clothes — can have a big impact on the planet.

From 9am to 4pm, groups of students aged 8 to 15 from Monaco and the surrounding region will move through a series of nine hands-on workshops, each one designed to make sustainability feel practical, creative, and fun. They’ll get to try everything from repairing mobile phones to customising sneakers and whipping up zero-waste snacks.

The workshops are built around five main themes: responsible tech, sustainable fashion, health and beauty, eco-friendly food habits, and general waste reduction. The aim? To help students build useful skills, spark curiosity, and develop everyday habits that reduce waste — all while having a good time.

A team effort with Monaco’s institutions

Organised with the help of local organisations like SBM Offshore, Monaco Digital, Nike Monaco, the Thermes Marins Monte-Carlo and the Sûreté Publique, the event brings together experts and volunteers from across the Principality. There’s even a focus this year on electronic waste, with students learning how to care for digital devices, protect their data, and think more critically about tech use.

Chefs from top hotels in Monaco — including the Hôtel Hermitage and the Monte-Carlo Bay — will also be on hand to teach the young participants how to prepare tasty, zero-waste dishes made with seasonal ingredients, all tailored to suit younger tastes.

Repairing, reusing, rethinking

Whether it’s sewing a new pouch from leftover fabric, mixing natural beauty products, or learning how to extend the life of their phone, students will be encouraged to think differently about the things they use every day.

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Photo credit: Cassandra Tanti

Hamlet reimagined: a modern teen’s struggle comes to the Monaco stage

by: Cassandra Tanti
18/11/2025

From 20th to 23rd November, the Théâtre des Muses will present a bold and emotionally charged new interpretation of Hamlet, adapted and directed by Christophe Luthringer. This powerful production brings Shakespeare’s timeless tragedy into the present day — and into the bedroom of a 19-year-old navigating grief, rage, and isolation.

Far from a traditional staging, this adaptation centres around Hamm, a young man confined to his room following the death of his father. In this inventive and immersive setting, everyday objects become props for his inner drama: a guitar, a punching bag, puppets, and repurposed furniture all help him process betrayal, loss and the overwhelming weight of expectation.

Celebrated by critics for its raw energy and originality, the production stars Victor Duez in a standout solo performance that has drawn acclaim across France. Le Parisien called it “a modern and musical Hamlet, splendid in its fury”, while Vaucluse Matin praised it as “total theatre”.

A new way in for young audiences

Recommended for audiences aged 12 and over, Hamlet at Théâtre des Muses offers a fresh point of entry into Shakespeare’s iconic work — one that speaks to younger generations through emotion, music and visual storytelling.

Anthéa Sogno, who presents the production, describes it as “a deeply inventive and sensitive approach that captures the imaginative world of adolescence”. The result is a Hamlet that feels both universal and intensely personal.

Don’t miss it

Performances are in French and run from Wednesday 20th to Saturday 23rd November at Théâtre des Muses, Monaco. Early booking is recommended.

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Explained: What Monaco’s new road safety laws mean for drivers

by: Cassandra Tanti
18/11/2025

The National Council of Monaco passed on 6th November stricter new laws marking a significant shift in how the Principality plans to tackle dangerous driving. Prompted by the tragic deaths of young drivers and a rise in serious road incidents, these new laws aim to reinforce both the prevention of road accidents and the protection of victims.

The reform, first tabled by the Government in April 2025 as Bill No. 1107, has undergone several months of consultation and amendment before being voted through unanimously. Backed by the Minister of State and driven through the legislative process by National Councillor Béatrice Fresko-Rolfo, the law reflects Monaco’s response to rising concerns around road safety — particularly for vulnerable road users such as pedestrians, cyclists, and scooter riders.

“This law is not only about sanctioning – it’s about protecting lives,” said Béatrice Fresko-Rolfo.

Tougher penalties, broader controls

The law introduces harsher penalties for a range of serious driving offences, including driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, and for refusing to comply with roadside checks. Notably, repeat speeding offences exceeding 50km/h above the limit are now classed as a criminal offence, rather than a traffic infraction.

Police are also now empowered to conduct preventative alcohol and drug testing — not just following an accident or observed infraction — but under certain conditions such as major events or targeted enforcement campaigns authorised by the Minister of State.

For professional drivers, including those holding permits in categories C, CE, D or DE, or licences for passenger transport, penalties for dangerous conduct committed while on duty have also been sharply increased. In these cases, offenders could now face up to three years in prison and higher fines.

From punishment to prevention

While the law is clearly more punitive in nature, it also includes measures aimed at prevention. Courts now have the option to order mandatory road safety awareness courses for offenders, paid at the individual’s own expense. In cases of repeat offences, vehicles can be confiscated and driving licences revoked for up to 10 years.

The revised legislation also clarifies the rules on vehicle seizures, ensuring that cars rented by third parties are not unfairly impounded. Additionally, the definition of “vehicle” has been expanded to include non-motorised road users like cyclists and mechanical scooters — reflecting Monaco’s changing urban landscape and the growing diversity of road users.

A national and European context

The tightening of Monaco’s road safety legislation follows concerning statistics both locally and across Europe. In 2023, Monaco recorded three fatal accidents resulting in six deaths, while in 2024, two serious accidents involved drunk driving. Alarmingly, two-wheeled vehicles are implicated in 75% of all injury-causing collisions in the Principality.

Across the EU, more than 19,800 people lost their lives in road accidents in 2024. Although this represents a modest 3% drop compared to the previous year, the pace of progress remains too slow to meet the bloc’s 2030 target of halving road fatalities. In this broader context, Monaco’s legislative overhaul aligns the Principality with European efforts to strengthen road safety through both deterrence and regulation.

Next steps

While the legal framework has now been updated, National Councillors have called for enhanced public awareness campaigns, particularly aimed at young people, and greater support for local road safety organisations. Suggestions also include encouraging hospitality venues to provide breathalysers for patrons to self-test before getting behind the wheel.

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Photo credit: Cassandra Tanti

Monaco’s financial crime oversight committee holds first formal session under new mandate

by: Cassandra Tanti
18/11/2025

The Principality’s newly constituted national coordination committee for the fight against financial crime held its inaugural meeting on Wednesday 12th November, bringing together senior institutional leaders to assess Monaco’s progress in its anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing strategy.

Chaired by Minister of State Christophe Mirmand, the session marked the first gathering of the committee’s “first College” — the high-level coordination body tasked with implementing and monitoring Monaco’s national strategy against money laundering, terrorist financing, the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, and corruption.

International recognition of Monaco’s efforts

According to a press statement, the Minister of State used the opportunity to commend the sustained engagement of Monaco’s institutions and services, noting that significant progress had been made since the Principality’s first progress report was submitted to the Financial Action Task Force (FATF).

Those advances were formally recognised on the international stage during FATF’s most recent plenary session in October 2025, which Monaco attended with a dedicated delegation. At that meeting, FATF adopted Monaco’s second follow-up report, citing improvements in a number of key areas.

Among the developments highlighted were a steady increase in international requests to trace and, where appropriate, seize criminal assets abroad; the strengthening of the Monaco Financial Security Authority (Autorité Monégasque de Sécurité Financière); the recruitment of three new magistrates to the Public Prosecutor’s Office; and a higher number of successful asset seizures involving suspected proceeds of crime.

Looking ahead to FATF’s next assessment

Wednesday’s meeting also focused on Monaco’s upcoming third progress report, which is currently in preparation and will be submitted to the FATF in the coming months. Several milestones in the Principality’s national action plan have already been completed — some ahead of the original schedule laid out in June 2024.

As international compliance deadlines approach, the Minister of State called on all stakeholders to remain actively engaged in maintaining and accelerating Monaco’s efforts in financial crime prevention.

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