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Month: June 2026

Monaco scores highly as global millionaire migration heads for its biggest year on record

by: Cassandra Tanti
17/06/2026

Monaco has been ranked among the world’s most competitive jurisdictions for internationally mobile wealth in the Henley Private Wealth Migration Report 2026, released this week by residence and citizenship advisory firm Henley & Partners, as global millionaire migration heads for its largest year on record.

The report assigns Monaco a Wealth Mobility Competitiveness Score of 70.0 out of 100, placing it among a group of “highly competitive” jurisdictions alongside Switzerland, Greece, Hong Kong, Portugal and Italy. A separate Henley index also identifies Monaco as a global leader in tax efficiency alongside Saudi Arabia and the UAE.

The countries classified as facing the most pressure are those closer to home: France scores 65.7, the UK 68.3, Germany 69.7 and Norway 69.0 — all described as losing ground as tax reforms, fiscal uncertainty and policy shifts prompt wealthy individuals to reassess their options.

A record year for millionaire migration

Global millionaire migration reached a new high of 142,000 relocations in 2025, and forecasts for 2026 point to another surge, with as many as 165,000 expected to move — the largest migration of wealth on record. The report defines millionaires as individuals with investable wealth of at least one million US dollars who have relocated and remained in a new country for longer than six months.

The 2026 edition introduces a new Global Wealth Mobility Framework, which evaluates jurisdictions across 12 dimensions including taxation, quality of life, rule of law, geopolitical stability and capital mobility. The framework represents a shift from the previous approach of tracking millionaire inflows and outflows toward a broader assessment of structural competitiveness.

The US and UAE paradoxes

Two wealth mobility flashpoints look set to reshape the geography of global wealth in 2026: the US, the world’s largest private wealth market, is also generating record demand for residence and citizenship optionality as affluent Americans seek international diversification in unprecedented numbers; and the Gulf, where ongoing conflict is testing the resilience of the region’s emerging wealth hubs.

The US scored just 62.3 on the new framework despite its scale — a result Henley & Partners attributes to a paradox: America generates more wealth than any other country, but it is also the firm’s single largest source market for applications. Applications from US nationals doubled in 2025 versus the prior year and have stayed elevated into 2026.

The UAE, despite regional tensions, achieved the highest score in the framework at 85.3 — though Henley & Partners also recorded a 41 per cent increase in enquiries from UAE-based individuals between the fourth quarter of 2025 and the first quarter of 2026, suggesting contingency planning is accelerating among residents of the Gulf.

What it means for Monaco

Monaco’s position in the report reflects what is already observable on the ground. The Principality has no income tax for residents, offers political stability, a high quality of life and a well-established infrastructure for wealthy families — factors that have driven consistent demand for Monegasque residency for decades. Official figures from IMSEE confirm the resident population has grown steadily in recent years, particularly from British nationals.

See also: 

How Monaco’s population has changed over a decade — and who is moving in now

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Photo credit: Benjamin Vergely, Monaco Tourism Department

Historic Fiat 500s return to Monaco in July for sixth international meeting

by: Cassandra Tanti
17/06/2026

The sixth Monaco International Meeting of Historic Fiat 500s takes place on 18th and 19th July at the Quai Albert Ier on Port Hercule, organised by the Club Fiat 500 Monte-Carlo under the patronage of the Italian Embassy in Monaco.

The two-day event, which brings together owners and enthusiasts of the original historic Fiat 500, is themed around the 1970s and coincides with the 90th anniversary of the Fiat 500 Topolino — the compact two-seater first presented in June 1936 that became one of the defining vehicles of Italian postwar life. Designed by engineer Dante Giacosa and produced in three series until 1955, the Topolino was the smallest mass-produced car of its era and is widely credited with bringing motoring to the Italian masses. More than 376,000 were built.

Programme

Saturday 18th July opens with a morning drive along routes of the Monte-Carlo Rally, departing at 10:15am with a lunch stop before participants return to the port in the afternoon. From 5pm, the group will visit the Collection des Automobiles de S.A.S. le Prince Albert II before the evening closes with a free tribute concert by Abba Time at 8:30pm.

Sunday 19th July includes a visit to the Monaco et l’automobile exhibition at the Grimaldi Forum, followed by a parade through the streets of Monaco at 2:15pm. The event closes with a prize-giving ceremony at 3:30pm.

Animations across the weekend include games, karaoke, dance sessions and a basket competition open to all. The programme is subject to change.

Further information is available at clubfiat500montecarlo.com.

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Photo source: Club Fiat 500 Monte-Carlo

 

Tech for the tide: Highlights from the ‘Monaco Ocean Protection Challenge 2026’ grand finale

by: Virginia D’Umas
17/06/2026

Bringing together a new generation of scientists, entrepreneurs, and students, the 9th ‘Monaco Ocean Protection Challenge’ took place at the Oceanographic Museum of Monaco on Thursday 11th June. The event provided a global platform for 27 project leaders from 14 countries to share their innovative approaches to preserving our blue planet.

From a record-breaking pool of 215 entries across 58 nations, only the brightest 10 teams earned their place at the showcase in Monaco. This select cohort—representing four business concepts, four startups, and two special award winners—converged to pitch groundbreaking solutions to an elite jury featuring industry powerhouses like Nina Jensen— marine biologist, former CEO of REV Ocean and Chloé Boscagli—Director of MonacoTech. The aim was to transform ecological crises into viable economic assets, marking a decisive shift toward the professionalisation of marine restoration.

Next-generation solutions for a blue economy

Among the innovations was Pearl, an autonomous, AI-powered robot engineered to combat the invasive lionfish crisis in the Mediterranean by streamlining capture at scale. 

Anne Marie Medema from the International University of Monaco told Monaco Life that the inspiration for Pearl grew from a need to address the invasive lionfish crisis through a circular economy. “We didn’t just want to remove the fish; we wanted to transform them into value—providing a tool for others to create revenue streams like leather, jewelry, and sustainable food. It’s about turning an environmental challenge into a regenerative opportunity.”

From left to right: Dr. Jean-Philippe Muller, general director and dean of the International University of Monaco and 2026 business concepts category winners Seads

In the field of reef restoration, BluePrint Reefs presented an underwater bio-printer using ‘living ink’ to recruit coral polyps, while the 2026 startup category winner, CalX, showcased a sustainable marine infrastructure material crafted from recycled oyster shell waste.

Business concept winner Seads also gained significant attention for its modular, AI-driven robotic system capable of restoring seagrass beds 52 times faster than manual efforts.

Other showcased solutions ranged from high-efficiency vessel intelligence systems from Seavium to seaweed-based material alternatives from Saelevä and incentivised waste collection programmes like BlueReturn.

Nina Jensen, marine biologist, former CEO of REV Ocean speaking at ‘Monaco Ocean Protection Challenge’ 2026

Highlighting the importance of preventive measures, BlueReturn’s Jana Cisewski explained how her company created a smart, AI-based trash station that can be placed at the beach and utilises an app that encourages people to dispose of their waste responsibily, preventing it from entering the sea while measuring the collective impact. “Being here among so many motivated teams, seeing this level of interest and support, gives me real hope,” said Cisewski. “It is incredibly inspiring to see how much we can achieve together, and I truly believe that whoever wins today will make a lasting difference.”

The winners

German team SEADS took the Business Concepts prize for its AI-powered robotic system capable of restoring seagrass beds 52 times faster than manual efforts, while French startup CalX won the Startups category with Oysteria X — a marine construction material made from recycled oyster shells developed in partnership with IFREMER and CNRS. India’s BendNSnap received the CFM Indosuez Coup de Cœur Prize for its 3D-printed biodegradable coral attachment anchor that reduces restoration time from ten minutes to 20 seconds. The Spotlight on Africa Prize went to Morocco’s Blue Field Company for its seaweed aquaculture project restoring the health of the Marchica Lagoon. All four winning teams receive a combination of cash prizes, acceleration programmes and unlimited access to the Oceanographic Museum of Monaco.

Building a blue economy continuum

Beyond the awards, the ‘Monaco Ocean Protection Challenge’ serves as a bridge between concept and commercial implementation. The competition is intentionally linked to the Blue Economy and Finance Forum, a platform that connects young innovators with investors, insurers, and policymakers from across the globe.

Romain Ciarlet, executive director and general secretary of the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation

As Romain Ciarlet, Executive Director and General Secretary of the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation, concluded: “The environmental challenges facing our seas require professionalised, accelerated innovation. Through the ‘Monaco Ocean Protection Challenge’, the next generation of researchers, students, and engineers is being provided with the support necessary to turn their vital aspirations into reality, securing a sustainable future for the world’s oceans”.

‘Monaco Ocean Protection Challenge’ was co-organised by the International University of Monaco, the Oceanographic Institute, the Prince Albert I of Monaco Foundation, Monaco Impact, and the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation.

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All photos sourced from the Monaco Ocean Protection Challenge

Chris Froome, Jakob Fuglsang and Le Mans winner Alessandro Pier Guidi among athletes confirmed for The Crossing 2026

by: Cassandra Tanti
16/06/2026

The full team line-up has been confirmed for The Crossing 2026, the water bike relay across the Mediterranean organised by the Princess Charlene of Monaco Foundation, which departs from Viareggio in Italy on Friday 19th June and arrives at Larvotto beach in Monaco on Saturday 20th June.

Seven teams of four athletes — 28 participants in total — will take on the 225-kilometre crossing through the Pelagos Sanctuary, a protected marine area spanning France, Monaco and Italy. Prince Albert II and Princess Charlene will give the starting signal from the Club Nautico di Viareggio on Friday.

The teams

Team Serenity brings together Gareth Wittstock, Princess Charlene’s brother and Secretary General of her Foundation, alongside four-time Tour de France winner Chris Froome, former French Cameroonian heavyweight world title contender Carlos Takam, and Kevin Crovetto.

TC Racing fields two of the most decorated names in the professional peloton: Danish Grand Tour winner Jakob Fuglsang and Italian classics specialist Filippo Pozzato, joined by Denis Shadlov and Christos Fiotakis. Fuglsang won the 2019 Criterium du Dauphine and a stage at the Tour de France, while Pozzato was one of Italy’s most celebrated one-day racers of the 2000s.

Scuderia Monte-Carlo features Ferrari factory driver and 2023 Le Mans 24 Hours overall winner Alessandro Pier Guidi alongside Guido Giovannelli, Francesco Castellacci and Gianfranco Spallarossa.

Team Lionheart is made up of Swedish Olympic cyclists Gustav Larsson and Veronika Larsson, alongside Alex Bennett and Jeremy Josserand. Rock to Rock Mangusta features Jacopo Marzocco, Alexandre Baccili, Jean-Baptiste Pastor and Anthony Roustan. Team Galenic brings together freediving world record holder Pierre Frolla, Loulou Fuglsang, Cyrius Monk and Megan Monk. The Gouvernement team comprises Geoffrey Espigue, Nicolas Collet, Bruno Chapot and Jean-François Sehan.

The event

Now in its third edition, The Crossing this year marks the first formal collaboration between the Princess Charlene of Monaco Foundation and the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation, a partnership sealed at the Monaco Blue Initiative in May. The relay format sees each team member rotate continuously across the 24-hour crossing, using water bikes — floating structures built around a cycling-style pedalling mechanism.

The route passes through the Pelagos Sanctuary, one of the largest marine protected areas in Europe, recognised for its populations of dolphins, fin whales and sperm whales. The event raises awareness for drowning prevention — the core mission of the Princess Charlene of Monaco Foundation, which operates in 45 countries and has reached more than two million beneficiaries — and for marine conservation, the focus of the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation.

To donate and support your team, visit: https://togethercrossing.fondationprincessecharlene.mc/

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Photo credit: Manuel Vitali, Government Communications Department 

 

Future ocean ambassadors: Young innovators unite at the Oceanographic Museum of Monaco

by: Virginia D’Umas
16/06/2026

The Oceanographic Museum of Monaco has hosted the ‘Rencontres Oceano pour Tous’ event to conclude the 12th edition of the Oceano pour Tous competition. Bringing together 11 classes from France, Algeria, Italy, Spain, Tunisia, and Turkey, the two-day event, which took place on 9th and 10th June, served as a platform for intercultural dialogue and a collaborative commitment to the Mediterranean Sea and the broader ocean. 

Launched in 2014 by the Oceanographic Institute of Monaco in partnership with the Princess Charlene of Monaco Foundation, the programme aims to make marine science accessible to students facing social or geographical barriers. Throughout the academic year, more than 1,000 pupils took part in digital workshops and field activities, culminating in a range of community-based conservation projects.

Cyril Gomez, Deputy Director General of the Oceanographic Institute, highlighted the initiative’s impact: “Through our Oceano Jeunesse programme, we provide students who face geographical or social barriers with the opportunity to connect with the sea. ‘Oceano pour Tous’ is more than a competition; it is a catalyst for engagement. These students remind us that local initiatives fuel a broader collective dynamic, and their energy and creativity are essential in building the world of tomorrow.”

Teacher Belen with one of her students, Miguel, from the École La Pau in Barcelona / Photo credit: Virginia D’Umas

Innovative student-led solutions

The winning projects showcased a sophisticated blend of scientific rigour and community advocacy. Students from École La Pau in Barcelona spearheaded a campaign titled ¿Cómo sería el mar sin la Posidonia? (What Would the Sea Be Like Without Posidonia?). Utilising posters and comics, the pupils highlighted how boat anchors devastate this fragile aquatic plant. “Posidonia generates an incredible amount of oxygen—up to 20 litres per day per square metre—and serves as a vital habitat supporting over 1,400 marine species,” Belén Rodriguez, the school’s teacher, told Monaco Life.

Meanwhile, fifth-grade pupils from École Marcel Pagnol in Cannes La Bocca addressed the intricacies of sustainable fishing through a seasonal recipe book. By researching size restrictions and breeding cycles, the children sought to sensitise recreational fishers to the environmental consequences of their actions.

“Regarding seasonality,” their teacher explained, “we created a guide categorised by season to ensure minimal environmental impact. We understand that during specific periods, species are reproducing, nursing juveniles, or are otherwise vulnerable, and should be left alone. Through research, meetings with professional fishers, and practical workshops, we gathered the necessary knowledge to produce this booklet and filmed a supplementary video to champion these sustainable practices.”

Students from École et Loisirs in Oran with their ‘Ambassadeur Oceano Pour Tous’ prize / Photo credits: Virginia D’Umas

Cultivating the next generation of stewards

The true impact of Oceano pour Tous is found not in the accolades, but in the measurable momentum these students are generating across the Mediterranean. This year’s selection highlighted a striking diversity of approaches, from the scientific rigour displayed by the Lycée École et Loisirs d’Oran, whose research into marine turtle life cycles has become a vital resource for their local community, to the adventurous spirit of Naples’ Istituto Comprensivo Statale Ferdinando Russo. Their ‘Trames de voyage’ project effectively bridged the gap between the classroom and the coast, utilising sailing expeditions to ground their scientific workshops in direct, hands-on observation of the marine ecosystem.

Estelle Lefébure, Ambassador of Oceano pour Tous / Photo credit: Philippe Fitte

Perhaps the most inventive response to the region’s changing environment came from the Lycée anatolien Sabancı in Marmaris, Turkey. Their ‘The eye behind me’ initiative moved beyond passive education, combining coastal cleanup efforts with digital innovation to create a new application that assists recreational fishers in identifying and reporting invasive lionfish. These projects, along with 12 others from across France and Monaco, were awarded funding to scale their initiatives, ensuring these grassroots efforts continue to thrive well beyond the end of the school year.

“Year after year, Oceano pour Tous shows how capable young people are of transforming ocean-related issues into concrete action. Their energy and dedication to sharing what they have learned make these students true ambassadors. I am proud to support this generation, which is already fully committed to the future of our planet,” said Estelle Lefébure, Ambassador of Oceano pour Tous.

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Main photo: Oceano Pour Tous event held at the Oceanographic Museum / Photo credit: Philippe Fitte

 

Café de Paris Monte-Carlo goes Spanish this week with flamenco, jamón and a gala dinner

by: Cassandra Tanti
16/06/2026

Café de Paris Monte-Carlo is hosting its annual Spanish Week from 17th to 21st June, with the 2026 edition carrying particular significance: the event coincides with the 150th anniversary of Monaco’s diplomatic mission in Spain and comes just two months before the Principality hosts the Grand Départ of La Vuelta a España for the first time in its history.

The week, which the brasserie has staged annually since 2009, dresses the Café de Paris in the yellow and red of the Spanish flag for five evenings of Iberian cuisine, flamenco and live music. This year’s menu has been created by Café de Paris chef Victor Marion in collaboration with Chef Fernando Lopez, and features dishes including Tabla de jamón ibérico de bellota Pata Negra, Paella mar, Pata de pulpo braseado and Entrecote de Vaca Rubia de Galicia madurada.

Flamenco every evening

European Flamenco champion Jose Lucena performs a flamenco dance show each evening alongside his dancers and singer Alvaro Alcaidhe. Master Iberian ham cutter Sandra Fernandés Santos will also give demonstrations of ham carving throughout the week.

Gala dinner for 150 years of diplomatic ties

The centrepiece of the week is a gala dinner on Saturday 20th June at 7:30pm, marking 150 years since Monaco established its diplomatic mission in Spain on 14th July 1876. Stéphane Valeri, Delegate President of Monte-Carlo Société des Bains de Mer, and Christophe Navarre, creator and organiser of the event, will welcome Catherine Fautrier-Rousseau, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Monaco to Spain.

The gala menu has been signed by Chef Albert Gonzales Margallo of Le San Sebastian 57 in Santa Cruz de Tenerife, a restaurant recognised by the Michelin Guide. The evening will also showcase produce from the Balearic Islands and the Canary Islands, presented in collaboration with H.E. Laura Calvo Borrego, Consul of Monaco in the Balearic Islands, and Francisco J. Doblas Gonzales de Aledo, incoming Consul of Monaco in the Canary Islands.

Prelude to La Vuelta

The Spanish Week arrives ahead of what will be a landmark moment for the Principality. The 81st edition of the Vuelta a España begins on 22nd August in Monaco with a 9.6-kilometre individual time trial, making Monaco the only country in the world to have hosted the Grand Départ of all three Grand Tours — following the Giro d’Italia in 1966 and the Tour de France in 2009. The official team presentation takes place at Casino Square on Thursday 20th August, with Stage 2 departing Monaco for Manosque on Sunday 23rd August.

Spanish Week at Café de Paris Monte-Carlo runs from 17th to 21st June 2026.

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Photo source: MCSBM