Monaco’s diplomatic presence has expanded significantly, with the principality now maintaining relations with 165 countries as it prepares for a landmark year including its first presidency of the Council of Europe’s Committee of Ministers.
Foreign Minister Isabelle Berro-Amadeï presented the diplomatic achievements and ambitious agenda during her New Year address to Monaco’s diplomatic and consular corps on 13th January at Hôtel Hermitage, describing 2026 as a “dense and strategic” year ahead.
Growing global presence
Monaco strengthened its international footprint in 2025 by establishing diplomatic relations with three new countries—Micronesia, Singapore and Trinidad and Tobago—through the signing of joint communiqués.
Nearly 30 ambassadors were accredited by Prince Albert II during the year, while Monegasque diplomacy reached a new milestone with the appointment of its first ambassador to the Gulf region, stationed in the United Arab Emirates.
The principality also made its mark at the Osaka World Expo, where its ‘Take Care of Wonder’ pavilion welcomed nearly 1.5 million visitors. Closer to home, the Blue Economy and Finance Forum organised in Monaco mobilised 1,800 participants and secured financial commitments totaling €8.7 billion to support the blue economy.
Historic Council of Europe presidency
Looking ahead to 2026, Berro-Amadeï announced Monaco will assume the presidency of the Council of Europe’s Committee of Ministers from May to November—the first time since joining the organisation in 2004.
“This historic presidency will offer significant international visibility to the principality,” she stated, emphasising the government’s full mobilisation to ensure its success.
The six-month presidency will focus on priority themes including child rights protection, combating violence against women, and fighting organised crime. The role places Monaco at the helm of Europe’s leading human rights organisation, which comprises 46 member states.
Humanitarian principles and development aid
Addressing global crises, the Foreign Minister reaffirmed that Monaco “remains firmly committed to defending the principles enshrined in the United Nations Charter” and pursues a cooperation policy that is “depoliticised and rooted in humanitarian principles.”
Official development assistance reached €74 million over the 2022-2024 period and will be reinforced for 2025-2027 to continue improving the lives of the most vulnerable populations worldwide.
The principality’s approach emphasises practical humanitarian action over political positioning, allowing Monaco to maintain cooperative relationships across diverse geopolitical contexts.
Diplomacy through dialogue
Saluting the engagement of foreign representatives and reaffirming the importance of dialogue and cooperation, Berro-Amadeï expressed her hope that “the opening year will be rich in projects, exchanges and fruitful collaborations.”
She concluded by expressing her wish that 2026 be placed “under the sign of trust, dialogue and solidarity”—principles that have guided Monaco’s expanding diplomatic engagement.
The expansion of Monaco’s diplomatic network and its upcoming Council of Europe presidency reflect the principality’s ambition to play an outsised role on the international stage relative to its small size. With just over 39,000 residents, Monaco has cultivated a diplomatic presence that rivals much larger nations, leveraging its unique position, financial resources and commitment to multilateral cooperation.
The May-November Council of Europe presidency will test Monaco’s capacity to lead complex multinational discussions on sensitive topics including human rights, rule of law and democratic standards—positioning the principality at the center of European political discourse during a critical period.
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Photo credit: Stéphane Dana, Government Communications Department