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Month: January 2026

Italian mayors of historic Grimaldi sites gather at Monaco Embassy in Rome

by: Cassandra Tanti
22/01/2026

Mayors from 46 Italian municipalities gathered at Monaco’s Rome embassy last week to discuss plans for strengthening ties to their shared Grimaldi heritage.

The assembly on Friday 16th January marked the third consecutive year the annual meeting has been hosted at the embassy, bringing together representatives from towns and cities across Italy that were once ruled by the Grimaldi dynasty.

Monaco Ambassador Anne Eastwood told the gathering that Prince Albert II will visit municipalities that have recently joined the network this year, while the principality also plans to organize a Rome event showcasing the culinary heritage of these historic sites.

Genoa to Sicily

The mayors in attendance ranged from well-known neighboring cities such as Genoa and Ventimiglia to representatives from more distant southern regions.

Dolceacqua Mayor Fulvio Gazzola, who leads the association, has overseen cultural, sporting and environmental projects designed to promote the shared heritage of the former Grimaldi fiefs.

Eastwood described the municipalities as part of a “great Monegasque family” that the association works to strengthen across Italian territory.

The annual gathering highlights Monaco’s ongoing engagement with Italian towns that retain architectural, cultural and administrative traces of Grimaldi rule from medieval and Renaissance periods.

Medieval roots

The Grimaldi family originated in Genoa before establishing control of Monaco in 1297.

Over subsequent centuries, various branches of the dynasty governed numerous Italian territories, leaving lasting marks on local architecture, governance structures and cultural traditions.

The association provides a contemporary framework for maintaining these centuries-old connections through cooperation on cultural preservation and regional development.

Projects organised by the association draw on values associated with Prince Albert II’s leadership, according to officials.

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Photo source: Government Communications Department

 

Prince Albert and Princess Charlene open new indoor playground in Monaco

by: Cassandra Tanti
22/01/2026

Prince Albert II and Princess Charlene inaugurated ‘Little Wonders’, Monaco’s new indoor playground for young children, on Thursday morning alongside Princess Stéphanie, Camille Gottlieb and Louis Ducruet.

The family-friendly venue, created by two young mothers Marie Ducruet and Elise Rouillard, is designed to stimulate development, creativity and curiosity in children aged 0 to 7.

The space caters to both children and parents, offering areas where families can meet, interact and accompany their children through early developmental discoveries.

Designed by mothers for families

Marie Ducruet, wife of Louis Ducruet—son of Princess Stéphanie and nephew of Prince Albert II—and her friend Elise Rouillard conceived the project as working mothers who understood the need for safe, stimulating indoor environments for young children in Monaco.

The princely family toured the facility, which features multiple zones tailored to different ages and activities.

Facilities include a play structure, a mini-city for imaginative play, a motor skills area designed for babies, dedicated reading and construction zones, and a family café.

The entire venue can be privatized for birthday parties and special events.

First testers

Victoire and Constance, the young daughters of Louis and Marie Ducruet, were among the first to test the new playground during the inauguration.

The facility will open to the public in the coming days, adding a new indoor recreation option for families with young children in the principality.

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Photos: Frédéric Nebinger / Palais Princier

Trump backs down on Greenland tariffs after NATO “framework agreement”

by: Cassandra Tanti
22/01/2026

US President Donald Trump abruptly reversed course on Wednesday, scrapping threatened tariffs against European nations after announcing a “framework” deal with NATO over Arctic security.

The dramatic turnaround came hours after Trump used his World Economic Forum speech in Davos to demand Greenland and threaten the cohesion of NATO.

In a post on Truth Social, Trump said he had agreed with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte on a framework that “gets everything we wanted, including especially real national security and international security.”

He added that based on this understanding, he would not impose tariffs scheduled to take effect on 1st February.

From threats to backtrack

Trump had threatened tariffs of up to 25% on eight European countries, including Denmark and France, over their resistance to US control of Greenland. The levies were to start at 10% next month and climb to 25% in June.

His Davos speech appeared on the verge of rupturing NATO, with Trump suggesting the alliance wouldn’t defend the US if needed and demanding territory he described as “cold and poorly located”.

“We probably won’t get anything unless I decide to use excessive strength and force, where we would be frankly unstoppable. But I won’t do that, OK?” Trump said during his address.

Golden Dome and military bases

According to AP, Trump said “additional discussions” on Greenland concerned the Golden Dome missile defense program, a multilayered $175 billion system that will for the first time put US weapons in space.

Trump offered few details on the framework, saying they were still being worked out. However, one idea NATO members have discussed involves Denmark and the alliance working with the US to build more American military bases on Greenland, according to a European official familiar with the matter who spoke to AP on condition of anonymity.

It remained unclear if this proposal was included in Trump’s announced framework.

Trump described the agreement as a “forever deal” in an interview with CNBC, though he provided minimal specifics about what it entails beyond improved security arrangements.

European relief

Danish Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen welcomed Trump ruling out taking “Greenland by force” and pausing “the trade war with Europe”.

“Now, let’s sit down and find out how we can address the American security concerns in the Arctic while respecting the red lines of the Kingdom of Denmark,” he said in a statement, according to AFP.

Netherlands Prime Minister Dick Schoof called Trump’s move a sign of “de-escalation”, while Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said it was “essential to continue and promote dialogue between allied nations.”

NATO’s Rutte told AFP that “much work remained” on Greenland following the talks. When asked if Denmark would continue to control the territory, he said the subject of sovereignty “did not come up”.

Markets rebound, Greenland prepares

Financial markets that had fallen sharply on Trump’s threatened tariffs bounced back Wednesday following the reversal.

Before the backdown, Greenland’s government had responded by telling citizens to prepare for crisis. It published a handbook urging residents to ensure they have sufficient food, water, fuel and supplies to survive five days.

“We just went to the grocery store and bought the supplies,” Tony Jakobsen in Greenland’s capital Nuuk told AP, displaying candles, snacks and toilet paper.

Another resident, Johnny Hedemann, called it “insulting” that Trump “talks about the Greenlandic people and the Greenlandic nation as just an ice cube.”

During his speech, Trump mistakenly referred to Greenland as Iceland four times.

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Photo credit: Evangeline Shaw, Unsplash

 

Monaco and Japan to celebrate 20 years of friendship

by: Kyriaki Topalidou
22/01/2026

Two decades after establishing diplomatic ties on 14th December 2006, Monaco and Japan are celebrating their friendship with a year of cultural events taking place in both nations.

Throughout 2026, the Principality will host Ikebana demonstrations, tea ceremonies, Japanese drumming performances, artisan showcases, and children’s activities. Most events are free and open to the public. In Tokyo, a reception and gala will mark the milestone.

The celebrations are coordinated by the embassies of both countries, the Honorary Consulate of Japan in Monaco, and the Monaco Friends of Japan association. Other Monégasque organisations are also preparing additional initiatives, while a special anniversary logo has been created for the occasion.

Building the partnership

Prince Albert II has strengthened ties through several visits to Japan. In 2010, he attended the Nagoya Biodiversity Summit to highlight Monaco’s environmental work. Then, in October 2019, he met Prime Minister Shinzo Abe at Akasaka Palace for discussions on culture, sport, and ocean protection.

During that visit, the Prince toured exhibitions at Ueno Royal Museum and the National Art Gallery, which featured works on loan from the Prince’s Palace.

Expo 2025 success

Monaco’s pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka Kansai attracted nearly 1.5 million visitors. The ‘Take Care of Wonder’ exhibit featured a garden blending Mediterranean and Japanese design.

Prince Albert II and Princess Stéphanie led Monaco’s National Day celebrations on 28th June 2025, joined by Pauline Ducruet, Louis and Marie Ducruet, and Camille Gottlieb. Princess Hisako of Takamado received the delegation for events including a tea ceremony, a performance by the Carabiniers Orchestra, and a luncheon.

The day before, Louis Ducruet captained Monaco to a 4-3 win over Japanese players in a charity football match. Proceeds supported reconstruction in the Noto Peninsula following a 2024 earthquake.

Now, beyond official events, the partnership continues through the Japanese Garden in Larvotto and programmes run by Monaco Friends of Japan.

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Main photo provided by the Gouvernement Princier  

Monaco’s hot air balloon team sets sight on Alpine tour and Channel crossing

by: Kyriaki Topalidou
21/01/2026

The Monaco Ballooning Team has announced an ambitious programme for 2026, including participation in a record-breaking attempt to cross the English Channel with 200 balloons.

The team, which operates under the honorary presidency of Prince Albert II, will kick off its international calendar at the Château-d’Oex festival in Switzerland from January 24th to February 1st. The event is known for attracting the world’s largest gathering of mountain balloons.

The proposed Channel crossing, if the weather permits it, will take place before the end of April. The attempt would mark a significant milestone in hot-air ballooning history.

President and Pilot Alain Cruteanschii said the team is also planning a tour of prestigious Alpine destinations including Gstaad, Verbier, Méribel and Courchevel for a television documentary. The club is additionally hoping to stage launches from Monaco’s Palace Square this winter, featuring multiple eco-friendly balloons.

The partnership that fuelled the international expansion

The expanded activity follows a major partnership with Moravia Yachting, which has enabled the team to pursue international opportunities. “Our new partner gives us the means to match our international ambitions and to showcase the image of the Principality around the world,” Cruteanschii said, adding that the team is currently responding to invitations from all continents.

Les Aéronautes de Monaco at the 6th Qatar Balloon Festival, photo credit: Ed Wright Images

The announcement follows a busy 2025 for Les Aéronautes de Monaco, which included the unveiling of their new Monaco-Moravia balloon at the Monaco Yacht Show, followed by a spectacular evening at the Palace Square. They also participated in the 6th Qatar Balloon Festival in December, where they flew the principality’s red and white colours alongside crews from around the world.

The team kicked off 2026 at the annual Mondovì Festival in Italy, where they maintain their operational base as full members of the local aero club. Looking ahead, Cruteanschii hinted at plans for a Prince Albert II Cup competition in 2027

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Main photo credit: Ed Wright Images 

Monaco Polar Symposium aims to transform polar science into solutions

by: Cassandra Tanti
21/01/2026

Hundreds of polar researchers will descend on Monaco next month as the principality hosts the third Monaco Polar Symposium, an event increasingly focused on moving beyond data collection to practical solutions.

The three-day gathering at the Oceanographic Museum, scheduled for 25th to 27th February, comes as both Arctic and Antarctic regions experience accelerating environmental changes that scientists say demand urgent action.

This year’s event carries a pointed theme: rFrom Arctic to Antarctic – Enabling the Legacy: Translating Polar Research into Action.’

Shifting focus

The symposium represents a departure from traditional scientific conferences, organisers say, with emphasis placed on implementation rather than just presenting findings.

Scientists, policymakers, Indigenous leaders, funding bodies and civil society groups will participate in panels and workshops designed to produce actionable outcomes.

The event is being organised by the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation, The Scientific Committee on Antarctic Research, the International Arctic Science Committee, and the Oceanographic Museum.

Three main areas will dominate discussions: maintaining international scientific collaboration despite geopolitical tensions, developing new funding models for polar research, and moving flagship initiatives from planning to implementation.

Building toward IPY-5

Much of the groundwork will feed into preparations for the Fifth International Polar Year, a coordinated global research effort still being planned.

The last International Polar Year took place in 2007-2008 and resulted in significant advances in polar science, though critics have noted that implementation of recommendations has been uneven.

A pre-event session on the morning of 25th February, organised by the University of the Arctic, SCAR and the Oceanographic Institute, will specifically address IPY-5 planning.

Diverse participation

Organisers have made a point of including Indigenous representatives from polar regions alongside traditional scientific voices, acknowledging that local and traditional knowledge plays a crucial role in understanding environmental changes.

The inclusion reflects growing recognition within the scientific community that effective polar policy requires input beyond academia.

Programme details and confirmed speakers have not yet been released.

Prince Albert II has made polar research a priority throughout his reign, participating in expeditions to both poles and using Monaco’s platform to advocate for polar protection.

The biennial symposium has become part of the principality’s broader environmental agenda, which includes ocean conservation and climate action initiatives.

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Photo credit: Philippe Fitte, Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation