For those longing to be part of a time when chivalry was alive and well, damsels’ beauty was enshrined in poetry and song, and the sport of the day was either jousting or falconry, this weekend’s Biot and the Templars festival will be the place to be.
The much-loved event will run from 5th to 7th April in and around the town of Biot, with over 150 fantastic shows planned under the theme of ‘At the Dawn of Europe’.
The 2023 festival attracted upwards of 100,000 people, making it one of the biggest events to take place in the Alpes-Maritimes last year, and the 2024 edition is set to be just as popular.
Both participants and visitors will immerse themselves in the spirit of the medieval age by wearing period costumes. Expect demonstrations of the way of life of the 13th century and there will be countless stalls selling an array of handmade crafts.
Visitors can expect to see a reconstruction of a village of medieval artisans, a torchlight parade, hand-to-hand combat battles, tournaments, equestrian shows, beggars, troubadours and folk music performances along with lots of different shows, such as falconry and jousting, all free of charge.
BIOT HISTORY
Biot is historically connected to the medieval Templars, making this event very dear to locals.
“The Templars are part of the history of Biot, it is our history, it belongs to us,” says Jean-Pierre Dermit, the mayor of Biot. “The current contours of the territory of the commune were drawn thanks to the acquisitions of the Templars. They stayed in Biot from 1209 to 1308. In every alley of Biot, the stones speak.”
For more information about the festival, click here.
The Olympic flame is set to arrive in France in early May, having travelled by boat from Greece. Marseille will be the first stop of the tour, but several French Riviera towns and cities will also be welcoming the torch as it heads north to Paris.
Outside of the Games, the eternal flame is preserved in Olympia, near the Temple of Hera. After journeying to the southern city of Marseille, where the torch will arrive on May 8th, the Olympic flame will then head towards the island of Corsica for a brief visit before returning to the mainland and setting a course through the western parts of France.
By 7th June, the flame will be at sea once again, this time on a voyage to France’s overseas territories, including La Réunion, Guadeloupe and Martinique.
Once the more exotic stopovers are complete, it will be Nice’s turn to host the flame on the the Promenade des Anglais and Quai des Etats Unis before the torch begins its month-long journey to the French capital.
Nice’s long-time mayor, Christian Estrosi, told the French press, “The Olympic flame in Nice on 18th June will be more than a symbol. Being the first stop in the home stretch to Paris, Nice concludes the Ocean Relay before becoming the global capital with the United Nations Ocean Summit in June 2025.”
Six other municipalities in the region – Villefranche-sur Mer, Grasse, Cannes, Valberg, Antibes Juan les Pins and Valdeblore-La Colmiane – will also welcome the flame.
The relay is a long-held tradition that started in 1936 at the Berlin Summer Games and has become a popular feature of the pre-Olympic schedule, allowing the host country to showcase its most beautiful and historic sites.
FRENCH DESIGN
The torch to be used in the procession has been designed by a native French creator, as is the tradition for the host nation.
Mathieu Lehanneur was chosen for the 2024 Olympic Torch and he has created a sleek and stylish interpretation of the ancient vessel that integrates the three core themes of the upcoming Games: equality, water and peacefulness.
Mathieu Lehanneur with the 2024 Olympic Torch. Photo credit: Felipe Ribon
“Equality is symbolised by perfect symmetry,” said Lehanneur on the day he revealed the design. “Water is symbolised by the wave, relief and vibration effects. Peacefulness is symbolised by the gentleness of the curves.”
The torch is being manufactured by Arcleor Mittal, which will make 2,000 versions in total, five times less than for the Games’ previous editions. The company is also making them with the lowest possible carbon footprint at steel factories whose techniques can accommodate the manufacturing in line with the best eco-friendly standards.
As the Riviera’s social calendar heats up, Monaco is a hive of activity with a number of grand reopenings for the season, from legendary clubs to exquisite dining experiences.
The busy season for 2024 opened with the Bal de la Rose on the 23rd March, marking the beginning of Monaco’s vibrant spring and summer festivities. As we move further into the season, more establishments are gearing up to welcome guests, each offering a unique blend of luxury, entertainment, and gastronomic delight.
Jimmy’z Monte-Carlo, the legendary and staple club of Monaco, has already set the stage for an unforgettable season. Having opened its doors on 22nd March, the club continues to draw an international clientele with its electric atmosphere and top DJ performances. For the full lineup, click here.
Coya, Photo credit: SBM Monte-Carlo
On the culinary front, Coya Monte-Carlo is reopening on 10th April, inviting guests to indulge in the vibrant flavors of Latin America. With its prime location offering stunning Mediterranean views, Coya brings together art, music, and cuisine for a multi-sensory journey. Under the leadership of Chef Victoria Vallenilla, the restaurant pays homage to traditional South American cuisine with a modern twist. For bookings, click here.
Amazónico Monte-Carlo is set to dazzle on the Place du Casino from 5th April. Known for its immersive rainforest-inspired ambiance and eclectic mix of tropical and Latin American cuisines, Amazónico will offer a new unique dining and entertainment experience in Monaco. With live music and DJ sets, the venue showcases Monaco’s well-known status as a world-class center for diverse and high-quality dining. For bookings, click here.
Shifting focus to seaside leisure, the Monte-Carlo Beach Club reopens on 12th April, providing options for tranquil relaxation on its private beach or engaging in various water activities. The club’s restaurants, Le Deck and Elsa, promise refined cuisine in a picturesque setting. For more information, click here.
Staying within the beach club setting, Club La Vigie Monte-Carlo is set to reopen on 23rd May, offering an exclusive sanctuary that embodies elegance and the ideal Riviera lifestyle. Located at the end of the Monte-Carlo Beach peninsula, this spot offers guests beautiful sea views and sophisticated dishes crafted by Chef Pascal Garrigues.
Coinciding with Club La Vigie’s reopening, Maona Monte-Carlo also welcomes guests back on 23rd May, promising a fusion of glamour and nostalgia for those in search of a vintage Riviera experience. This venue revives the festive atmosphere of the Riviera’s heyday, creating an experience that echoes the lively and glamorous 1960s dolce vita. For bookings, click here.
Nikki Beach, photo credits: Nikki Beach
Over at Fairmont Monte-Carlo, Nikki Beach is set to reopen on 4th April, providing a pool party atmosphere on the hotel’s rooftop, complete with music, diverse food options, and views of the Mediterranean. For more information, click here.
With spring in Monaco, a mix of old and new luxury is highlighted as iconic institutions reopen and appeal to various preferences. As summer approaches, more venues are expected to swing open their doors, further enriching the huge range of experiences in Monaco and the Riviera.
Part showcase and part gala celebration to mark the culmination of the Art Dubai 2024 event in early March, the Night at the Museum event at the Cinar Artistry and Luxury Carpet Museum combined glamour with history in a truly unique setting.
Following Art Dubai, which took place between 1st and 3rd March, an exclusive group of guests were invited to toast the success of the event at a glamourous gala hosted by the Cinar Artistry and Luxury Carpet Museum.
The Cinar brand, founded in Kayseri, Turkey in 1935, has long been known for being top purveyors of quality rugs and there were numerous beautiful and rare items for the VIP guests to admire.
During the event, guests were taken on a trip through the history on display at the museum, which is home to several ancient and antique carpets including one from the Great Mosque in Istanbul that belonged to the Sultan Qaftan, the Cinar-made Fears and Desires carpet that is a portrayal of feminine longings and worries, and a blanket owned by France’s Emperor Napoleon. In addition, there is a facsimile of the world’s oldest rug, the Pazyryk Carpet, the original of which is in the Hermitage Museum in St Petersburg.
Guests at the event were treated to a tour of the museum and its beautiful exhibits. Photo supplied
WONDERS ON EVERY LEVEL
The ground floor of the space also featured “anonymous and mysterious” pieces by avant-garde artist Elena Butko, which attendees were invited to appreciate before heading upstairs to view the rest of the galleries.
A short film explaining the fascinating processes used in the creation of Cinar carpets was then screened ahead of live performances by violinist Ezci Turdu and soprano Emily Thorner.
The Night at the Museum gala brought a splendid close to the Art Dubai event. Photo supplied
Among the guests invited to the soirée were: Sherif Thomas, the founder and CEO of The Fashion Factor; Samet Ozetci, CEO of Walther Kranz; Patrizia Marin, the president of the Marco Polo Experience Magazine; Alexandra Busheva, the Assistant Manager and Producer at Broadway Entertainment Group; and Ersoy Erkazanci, Bloomberg HT’s correspondent.
Monaco Life was among the sponsors of the evening’s festivities alongside Fashion Factor, Walther Kranz, Yoona AI Design, Elena Butko Avant Garde Art, Marco Polo Experience Magazine, Porterium Magazine, Visionnaire Moral Moda Magazine and Art & Hope.
The Schengen area, the largest geographical zone permitting free movement in the world, has officially welcomed in two new members: the Black Sea neighbours of Bulgaria and Romania.
The two European nations, which were integrated into the European Union on the same date – 1st January 2007 – now share a new page in their histories.
On 31st March 2024, they formally became the newest members of the Schengen area, the world’s largest common area without internal border controls.
As such, Schengen rules will now apply in both of the EU Member States, including those on issuing Schengen visas, and controls at the internal air and sea borders will be lifted in the near future.
According to a statement released by the European Commission on 30th March, “Since last December, both Member States have taken all necessary measures to ensure a smooth application of the Schengen rules as from 31st March 2024… Romania and Bulgaria will further contribute to strengthening the cooperation on border and migration, as well as to the joint European efforts to address EU security at external borders and migratory challenges. Furthermore, a regional initiative on police cooperation [has been] established between Member States along the Western Balkan and Eastern Mediterranean routes, including Bulgaria, Romania, Austria, Greece, Hungary and Slovakia. This will allow [these nations] to address related challenges jointly and in a sustainable manner, including cross-border crime.”
Bulgaria and Romania are understood to have been in compliance with “all requirements to be fully part of the Schengen area” since 2011 so this integration has been long awaited for the Black Sea neighbours.
“Together, we are building a stronger, more united Europe”
The day before the two nations’ official integration, Ursula von der Leyen, the President of the European Commission, said, “Tomorrow marks an important day: Bulgaria and Romania join the Schengen family. I welcome the lifting of internal air and sea border checks. This is a great success for both countries and a historic moment for the Schengen area – the largest area of free movement in the world. Together, we are building a stronger, more united Europe for all our citizens.”
The Schengen area guarantees free movement to more than 425 million EU citizens, as well as non-EU nationals living in the EU or visiting the EU as tourists, exchange students or for business purposes on a visa.
It dates back to an intergovernmental project between the five Member States of Belgium, France, Germany, Luxembourg and Netherlands that was launched in 1985. Today it includes all EU Member States, excluding Cyprus and Ireland.
The upcoming Foreign Universities Forum of Monaco will offer local students a thoroughly international perspective on potential places of learning as well as possible future career paths. Here’s everything you need to know about the event.
On 17th April at the Auditorium Rainier III, a diverse selection of top international universities and business schools will converge for the very first Foreign Universities Forum of Monaco (FUEM).
Held under the High Patronage of Prince Albert II, and organised by a coalition of the Monaco Parents’ Association, the Learning in Action association and Gargano Education, with input from the Mairie de Monaco, the forum will offer high school students the opportunity to explore a range of academic and career paths, from digital innovation to global business management degrees.
At least 15 universities, higher education establishments and business schools have already signed up to attend, with each bringing their unique strengths and specialisations to the table.
Among the more local institutions set to participate is the International University of Monaco (IUM), renowned for its business programmes, Nice’s EDHEC business school and Besign, the sustainable design school in Cagnes-sur-Mer.
Milan’s plethora of higher education establishments will be well-represented by the Humanitas University, which is dedicated to the medical and biomedical sciences, the Bocconi University, a leader in business, economics and management teaching, and the design, fashion and animation specialist of IED.
Further enriching the forum are institutions such as H-FARM College of Treviso, which will be presenting its cutting-edge programmes in digital business and management, including cybersecurity, AI and data science. Modul University from Vienna, meanwhile, will share information on its data science and management courses.
The forum will also appeal to students considering a future in areas such as the liberal arts, science, engineering, law, international affairs and hospitality, with schools such as the IE University of Madrid and the Vives University of Applied Sciences from Bruges both featuring on the list.
Plenty of additional universities await discovery at the event, which will be entirely free to attend for students in Secondary, First and Terminale classes in the region.
The event will be taking place between 9am and 7pm.
Prince Albert II of Monaco and Princess Charlene have officially toured a new joint venture in Beausoleil that provides specialised care and support for children’s mental health needs.
During the recent visit, Prince Albert II and Princess Charlene of Monaco, along with several dignitaries including Christophe Robino, Minister of Social Affairs and Health, and Gérard Spinelli, Mayor of Beausoleil, inaugurated the Franco-Monegasque Day Care Centre for Child and Adolescent Psychiatry in Beausoleil.
The initiative aims to create a safe and therapeutic environment where children can receive tailored care and support from experts, underscoring the commitment to working alongside families to address the needs of children requiring specialised care.
According to Statista, in 2020, over 204,900 people were treated for childhood-onset psychiatric disorders in France, with 117,900 patients, the highest prevalence for such disorders, found within the age group 0 to 14-years-old.
The 650 m² facility, located at 46 Avenue du Professeur Langevin, has undergone extensive renovations to provide comprehensive outpatient day care for children and adolescents suffering from severe autism spectrum, developmental, and personality disorders, up to the age of 18.
During the visit, the Princely couple had the opportunity to meet with the centre’s staff and learn about its operations. The facility offers multidisciplinary care aimed at providing a comprehensive assessment of each child’s needs.
With a capacity of 35 places, including 17 reserved for children from Monaco, the centre will cater to children residing or attending school in the Principality who have been referred by a child psychiatrist from the Centre Plati de Monaco.
Christophe Robino highlighted the collaborative efforts between the Prince’s Government, the French Republic, the Municipality of Beausoleil, and the Lenval Foundation in establishing the day hospital, emphasising the commitment to the well-being and development of each child. “The aim is to work alongside families to offer holistic and sustainable local support to these children who need it,” said Robino.
The Grand Apartments of the Prince’s Palace are once again open to the public for the busy tourist season, giving an intimate glimpse into the extravagant life of the Grimaldi’s throughout the centuries and the incredible story of the Palace frescoes restoration.
The Grand Apartments of the Palace of Monaco are a testament to the opulence and refinement of the Principality’s rulers throughout the centuries. From intricately adorned chambers to magnificent halls, each room tells a story of Monaco’s rich heritage and regal legacy.
Unlike many royal residences around the world, which remain closed to visitors or only open on rare occasions, the Palace of Monaco welcomes tourists every day from now until 13th October, allowing them to experience the grandeur of its interiors firsthand.
For as little as €10 per adult, and €5 per child, visitors can marvel at the splendid décor and exquisite furnishings that have graced these halls for generations. Adorned with ornate chandeliers, gilded mirrors, and priceless artworks, these rooms exude an air of majesty and sophistication.
The Grand Apartments of the Prince’s Palace have been frozen in time. Photo by Monaco Life
Visitors will also be able to see the exceptional Italian Renaissance frescoes that cover more than 600 sqm of the Palace.
Hidden from view, some for almost five centuries, the frescoes were quite unexpectedly awakened from their long slumber in 2015 during restoration works.
A restorer works to return the hidden 16th century frescoes to their former glory. Photo by Monaco Life
Under the patronage of Prince Albert II, the mammoth task to restore the 16th century frescoes unearthed in the Galerie d’Hercule and the Grand Apartments have propelled the Palace of Monaco into the realm of world art history. This is attributed not solely to the significance of the discoveries but also to the pioneering, and even innovative, adoption of a sustainable restoration methodology that respects the artworks and conserves resources.
The Grand Apartments reopened to the public on 26th March and will remain accessible until 13th October 2024.
Monaco Life speaks to Emmanuel Zuñiga Garcia to learn more about his diplomatic ambitions and the Honduras Embassy’s close cooperation with the Ibero-American Association of Monaco (AMI) in organising their upcoming fundraiser, a Gastronomy Gala, at the Yacht Club de Monaco.
The AMI, presided over by Sheramin Beauseigneur, works with governments, businesses and reputable personalities to build bridges between Latin America, Spain, Portugal and Monaco, and on 16th May, the association will be hosting a gastronomic gala honouring the Republic of Honduras at the Yacht Club de Monaco.
This event is being organised under the patronage of the Embassy of Honduras in Paris and by a team led by Minister Emmanuel Zuñiga Garcia, Honduras’ representatives in Monaco, and the Monaco Department of National Education.
At the event, the skilled students of the Monaco Technical and Hospitality School will have the chance to work alongside four renowned chefs from Honduras: Javier Kee Ham Hernandez, Carlos Alberto Espinal, Jose Luis Escalante Oliva and Israel Navarro, as well as the experienced barman Augusto Roberto Santos Gonzalez. Together, they will prepare an elaborate gourmet dinner for the privileged guests of the Gastronomy Gala.
Through ancestral flavours, the AMI and Emmanuel Zuñiga Garcia aim to promote understanding, respect and appreciation for Honduras’s gastronomy and cultural heritage, foster international interaction and cooperation, and raise funds for regional solidarity projects.
Monaco Life: Can you tell us more about yourself and your diplomatic career?
Emmanuel Zuñiga Garcia: I am a lawyer born and raised in Honduras. [Being] Minister is my first diplomatic assignment, and we [my team and I] are part of a new government striving to cement the foundations of a better, progressive country. With that spirit in mind, we have assumed the challenge of representing Honduras abroad, putting our capabilities at the nation’s service, [a nation] led by the first female president of Honduras, Xiomara Castro Sarmiento. Previously, I served seven years in the government’s anti-corruption sector, specifically in civil society, and trained as an arbitrator and secretary for the Arbitral Tribunal of the Chamber of Commerce of Tegucigalpa (CCIT).
How would you define your role as Minister of Cultural and Business Affairs?
I consider the role of a minister to be exceptionally versatile and empowering; it facilitates efforts and establishes solid connections with the authorities of the Receiving State and important economic actors to increase the levels of cooperation, integration, cultural and commercial relations, and other national objectives.
“The minister has a crucial function of opening doors in diplomacy.”
The minister’s relevance as second in command of an embassy is very significant since they participate in all relevant processes, especially in terms of executing foreign policy, promotion and international cooperation. This is in addition to the work carried out to support the Honduran diaspora and the consular section. The minister has a crucial function of opening doors in diplomacy.
What is your opinion of the value of cultural diplomacy in international relations?
Cultural diplomacy should be given greater relevance and prominence in international relations. The cultural component can become an element to bring visions, peoples and nations closer together; [it is] an essential tool in eliminating barriers and creating an atmosphere of peace and global prosperity.
Honduras, photo source: Unsplash
What are your goals as Minister of Cultural and Business Affairs for the Embassy of Honduras in Monaco?
Monaco is globally relevant due to its exceptional touristic and commercial position, and cultural exchange is one of the essential pillars for the consolidation of bilateral relations.
Essentially, the objective is to create links between Honduras and the Principality so that Monegasques and residents alike can learn about Honduras and be encouraged to consider it an attractive tourist destination that offers top gastronomy and extraordinary cultural wealth. We wish to encourage and promote investments in areas of bilateral interest and establish institutional links to allow us to have prosperous relationships and cooperation agreements between governments. At a later, more advanced stage, we want to bring study or employment opportunities to young Hondurans in Monaco.
In your opinion, how does the AMI help promote cross-cultural understanding between Honduras and Monaco?
The AMI does laudable, creative and innovative work to strengthen ties between Monaco and Latin America. Their initiatives positively impact promoting our region. AMI’s support will help us open doors in Monaco, meet key influential people and get closer to our goal of rapprochement between Honduras and the Principality.
How is the Cultural Department of your Embassy supporting the AMI’s upcoming diplomatic gastronomy event at the Yacht Club de Monaco?
We received the proposal from the AMI with great enthusiasm as we saw it as a valuable opportunity to promote Honduran gastronomy in Monaco. We submitted the association’s request and the Central Government was pleased to accept the collaboration in organising the Gastronomic Gala. It is imperative to assist in these initiatives to promote our country actively.
We are planning the Gala and [will be] publicising Honduras’ cultural advantages and ancestral flavours. For this purpose, we formed a working team with members of the Honduran Foreign Ministry and the Secretariats of Culture and Tourism. We periodically hold virtual coordination meetings to agree on every detail of our participation in this significant event.
How relevant do you think gastronomy, art and music are as accessible forms of cultural diplomacy?
Cooking, arts and crafts, and folklore music transport us to different places; they bring us memories of people or situations that are important to each of us. Through these participatory events, we delve into personal, family or group layers, and this undoubtedly identifies and connects us all, which is why we value them as a highly positive space for nurturing interaction benefiting both countries.
How do you promote your country? What aspects of Honduran culture do you think are the most relevant?
Honduras is a country that has invaluable cultural, ecological and gastronomic wealth, and we aim to publicise the best we have to offer. We mainly promote culture through advertising on different official and public channels, social networks and other media, and through participating in international fairs and cultural events.
To attract visitors, we emphasise that Honduras enjoys an unparalleled geographical and strategic position, being in the heart of the Americas. It has it all!
We have beautiful beaches and coastal areas bathed by the Atlantic and Pacific oceans. The second most important barrier reef in the world is in Roatán, a popular diving destination for many cruises. There are also fascinating archaeological and colonial sites worth visiting.
Our exotic flora and fauna are exceptional, and we promote ecotourism through mountains and forests with a rich ecological diversity and natural reserves with high biodiversity. The agricultural environment is unrivaled, producing cocoa, coffee, bananas, oil, tobacco and more.
Honduras also has a significant cultural wealth reflected in our native peoples and their longtime traditions. To top it all off, we add our gastronomy, characterised by foods based on corn, cassava, banana, beans and avocado, among others, where you conjugate typical delicious dishes from the mountains to the coastal areas with a highly hospitable and attentive population.
As we say… Honduras, everything is here! Naturally yours!
What are the key challenges facing cultural diplomacy today?
Diplomacy faces many struggles because we live in a turbulent world marked by economic and cultural differences. The solution to all conflicts is peace and understanding via collaborative and sincere open communication between all countries and international players. We must recognise that each of us has an important role and respect people’s sovereignty by protecting fundamental universal rights.
The primary mission of cultural diplomacy is to reduce the divergences that may naturally exist between human beings, achieving unity through artistic, cultural and tourist exchange. The main path to peace is dialogue, so our role is fundamental in bringing together conflicting opinions, resolving controversies and seeking real integration between countries. Cooperation is paramount in reducing the impact of the scourges that afflict us worldwide, be it poverty, hunger, crime, terrorism or corruption.
How do you foster mutual understanding between different cultures?
It is necessary to prioritise empathy and openness to learn about other cultures, as well as understanding and solidarity, which are essential principles in the daily life of everyone in society and must be permanently present in the foreign policy of every country.
To achieve mutual understanding, we should develop actions focused on three macro vertices: continuously develop spaces for cultural exchange that allow us to promote and disseminate our customs, traditions and cultural wealth; create socio-cultural, commercial and governmental networks aimed at creating an environment conducive to sustaining cultural exchanges and dynamic and efficient cooperation; and generate development initiatives and short, medium and long-term cooperation agreements between countries.
For information on the AMI’s Honduras Gastronomy Gala, send an email to amimonaco21@gmail.com.
Main photo: Sheramin Beauseigneur, President of AMI, with Emmanuel Zuñiga Garcia, Minister of Cultural and Business Affairs, Embassy of Honduras for Monaco and France, in Paris
Drawing inspiration from works such as Henry Purcell’s The Fairy Queen and William Skapespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream, as well as the vast anthology of classical Greek myths, the Académie Rainier III has unveiled a spell-binding programme of the events for the next three months. Here are some of the highlights.
Starting on Friday 5th April at 8pm, the Academy’s students will be showcasing their talents at the Théâtre des Variétés through a series of musical and choral performances inspired by Henry Purcell’s The Fairy Queen and William Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream. The harp class, led by Frédérique Camberling, will be opening the event.
On Wednesday 15th May at 6pm, the Children’s Choir will be taking to the stage at the Auditorium Rainier III to present a musical narrative based on Greek mythology. The story of Pysche, created by Julien Joubert, will explore the themes of love and transformation.
The traditional Gala de l’Académie Rainier III is scheduled for Wednesday 12th June at 8pm at the Auditorium Rainier III. It will feature performances by advanced students, who will be accompanied by the Monte-Carlo Philharmonic Orchestra.
Then, the school’s theatre students will be presenting their end-of-cycle examination pieces at the Théâtre Princesse Grace on Wednesday 19th June at 7pm.
The season will conclude at the Fort Antoine on Friday 28th June at 8pm, with a jazz and contemporary fusion performance entitled From Aerophonics to Big Band Jazz.
All events are free of charge, but prior registration is required.
The Monaco Impis are out to prove that their 2023 Melrose Sevens Cup win was more than just beginner’s luck as they head to Scotland to defend their title.
At the end of next week, Monaco’s Rugby Sevens team, the Impis, will be travelling to The Greenyards for the annual Melrose Sevens tournament that is scheduled to take place between 11th to 13th April.
After their stunning inaugural performance at last year’s event, where they were crowned winners, and their more recent win at the 2023 Emirates Airline Dubai Rugby Sevens, the Impis will be looking to replicate their success again at this intensive tournament once again.
A single defeat means elimination at the Melrose Sevens and the Impis will have to be on top form to repeat their 2023 win.
They will be supported at the event by General Secretary Gareth Wittstock, who recently shared his thoughts on the upcoming tournament with theoffsideline.com.
“The Impis name stands for resilience, courage and strength through adversity,” said Wittstock. “We were proud to showcase that last year and to be rewarded with such a meaningful trophy. We are extremely delighted to come back to Scotland in 2024. We know that we will be the team to beat, and that the trophy will be even harder to win now, but rest assured of one thing: we will defend our title with honour and determination.”
IMPIS STARS
The team is a true melting pot, made up of two players from AS Monaco Rugby, Augustin Slowik and Loic Legal, along with three players from the Monegasque national team, Dorian Danthez, Tristan Nardi and Hugo Bartnik. The side is then completed by players from France, South Africa, Scotland and Jamaica.
Prior to the start of the tournament, which is the world’s oldest Sevens event, having been founded in 1883, the Impis team and their support staff will take part in a series of anti-drowning workshops organised in conjunction with the Princess Charlene Foundation. The Impis famously sport the colours of the Princess’ foundation on their kit.
It was an up and down weekend for Monaco’s leading basketball and football teams, with a mixed bag of results for the Roca Team contrasting sharply with AS Monaco’s epic 2-5 win against FC Metz.
AS Monaco Basket’s EuroLeague game against Asvel on Thursday 28th March was an away fixture at the LDLC Arena.
Despite an 11-point deficit at one point, the team, guided by Coach Sasa Obradovic, turned the game around to secure an 77-87 win. This is the team’s 10th consecutive victory against the Lyon-based side.
“The fourth quarter is the way we need to play, especially defensively,” said Obradovic post-game, emphasising the importance of the Roca Team’s defensive strategy and the crucial role it played in their eventual victory.
The win has helped solidify AS Monaco’s position within the Top 3 of the EuroLeague standings and keep their playoff aspirations well within reach.
However, the team’s fortunes were reversed in the Betclic Elite arena on Saturday 30th March, when the Roca Team came up against Saint-Quentin in the Palais des Sports Pierre-Ratte.
It was a heartbreaking defeat that concluded with a last-second score, and the Rouges et Blancs only narrowly missed out on success, with a final tally of 71-69.
This marks their third defeat of the season in the French domestic league.
“We conceded a lot of defensive errors, and this lack of skill is costing us dearly,” Captain Yakuba Ouattara acknowledged, signalling the need for adjustments as the team looks ahead.
AS Monaco cements position in Ligue 1 standings
Switching gears to football, AS Monaco triumphed over FC Metz with a 2-5 victory on Saturday 30th March at the Stade Saint-Symphorien.
The victory in Ligue 1 temporarily boosted AS Monaco to second place in the league, behind Paris Saint Germain. However, their rivals for the coveted spot, Stade Brestois 29, made a comeback to claim an extra point over the Monegasque side the following day.
Folarin Balogun delivered a standout performance, scoring twice, with earlier goals coming from Takumi Minamino, Maghnes Akliouche and Vanderson.
Folarin Balogun scored two of AS Monaco’s five goals against FC Metz. Photo credit: AS Monaco
Wilfried Singo, a defending player for Les Monégasques, reflected on the team’s preparedness, saying, “We fought hard, and finally we came away with a big victory.”
The number of “definitive deregistrations” or company strike-offs rose by more than 21% in Monaco over the course of 2023, according to the latest figures by IMSEE.
The 2023 Q4 Economic Report by Monaco’s statistics agency IMSEE reveals that 534 businesses were de-registered last year – a significant increase of 21.1% on the previous year. That number was higher still among the companies logged with the Trade and Industry Directory, the Répertoire du Commerce et de l’Industrie de Monaco or RCI. Among these companies, close to 23% were closed.
In contrast, 855 new business or companies were founded in Monaco last year, which equates to a 1.7% drop on 2022 figures. Again, those recorded in the RCI noted a more noticeable contraction of 10%.
While strike-offs had been on the rise throughout the year, the rate at which companies were formally declared to be closed picked up in the second half of the year.
According to IMSEE, the sharp increase in business closures was the “result of a significant regularisation process.”
In 2023, warnings from the Monaco Government regarding a new legal obligation for all companies, civil or commercial, to declare their beneficial owners also began to increase. It was one of the requests made by Moneyval, the anti-money laundering body of the Council of Europe, in its January 2023 report that identified key areas in which Monaco needed to improve its financial supervisory systems.
A request asking Monaco-registered businesses to comply and ensure that their ownership details were up to date was issued in May 2023, along with a warning that “cases of legal entities whose legal status is irregular will be referred to the Court of First Instance”.
As reported by Monaco Life at the time, “A beneficial owner ultimately holds, directly or indirectly, at least 25% of the company’s capital or voting rights; they effectively exercise a power of control over the company by any other means, for example, they can appoint or dismiss the majority of the members of the management bodies; or it is the person or persons who legally represent the company, for example, the manager, managing director, etc.”
After a series of general information conferences, events and reminders, aimed at encouraging owners of “unclaimed companies” to come forward, a full list of the companies that had failed to provide the necessary information was made available to the public. It can be viewed here.
The list is described as containing: “any non-trading companies for which a lack of a registered office has been identified or for which statutory term has expired [and] any trading company whose business license or declaration has been revoked or rendered ineffective due to lack of registered office or business activity”.
Online voting for the Public Award at the Prince Albert II of Monaco’s Environmental Photography Awards has begun, giving people around the world a chance to vote for their favourite – and for some, the most poignant – images of 2024.
The Public Award for the Prince Albert II Foundation Environmental Photography Awards gives lovers of nature photography the opportunity to act as part of a worldwide jury by casting their vote on the top submissions in this eclectic category.
The online voting portal, which displays each of the images shortlisted, was launched on 2nd April and can be found here. Votes will be accepted until 14th April.
The winner will receive a €500 prize and their photo will be featured in the 2024 public exhibition in Monaco as well as in the official catalogue.
2024 AWARDS
The main 2024 Environmental Photography Awards will feature 36 images handpicked by a select jury from more than 11,000 entries. There are five categories – Polar Wonders, Ocean Worlds, Into the Forest, Change Makers, Reasons to Hope and Humanity versus Nature – and the Public Award features a mix of the best.
This year’s winners, who will follow in the steps of last year’s Grand Prize and Public Award winner Jasper Doest, are set to be announced on 4th June.
The public exhibition will be held on the Promenade du Larvotto until 30th July, before the show hits the road for an international tour.
The French government’s plans to help France achieve the 2030 digital transformation goals set out by the European Union include an increased emphasis on early digital learning, support for businesses and the rollout of digital systems for 250 essential public services.
On 25th March, the French government unveiled its roadmap for the future. The new strategy, which builds upon the EU’s own plans to make the 2020s the “digital decade” for Europe, comes after a 2023 report found France to be lagging behind its neighbours in terms of the digital transformation of public services and the espousal of digital technology by the nation’s small and medium-sized businesses.
The new plans are focused on the four key pillars of digital skills, digital infrastructure, digital conversion of businesses and the digitalisation of public services.
MEETING THE CHALLENGE
To meet these missions head on, the government has pledged to up the ante regarding country-wide fibre optics and 4G access as well as to improve the support available for businesses in the digital age. A total of 250 essential public service administrations will also be fully digitalised by 2025 and there are forthcoming changes to education, including an increased focus on maths and the nationwide teaching of digital skills from primary school.
France ranked 12th in the 2022 Digital Economy and Society Index, an indicator that the European Commission uses to monitor the progress made by member states.
For more information on the measures and steps included in the plans, click here.
