The Monaco Monitor

PLANS to enlarge the tiny tax haven of Monaco by building a new district at sea have hit opposition from environmentalists, who warn that the ambitious expansion would produce an “undersea desert”. (more…)

‘Non-resident’ millionaires intend to stay one move ahead of the chancellor. For Britons living in Monaco and commuting to work in the City of London this week, the drab weather - more Cornish coast than Côte d’Azur - could be a sign of things to come. Today’s budget is likely to make life harder for the 2,000 millionaires who call the handkerchief-sized tax haven home. (more…)

Prince Albert II of Monaco, also a member of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), visited the Beijing Olympic venue construction sites on Thursday. (more…)

Under the patronage of HSH the Prince Sovereign, the International Canine Exhibition took place this weekend Saturday 5th and Sunday 6th April 2008 at the Espace Fontvieille from 9am until 6pm each day.

This year a special exhibition of Afghan Hounds and Greyhounds was opened on Saturday at 5pm. More than 170 breeds were on display and 15 countries participated in the event.

Organised as part of the International Canine Week (March events took place in Fréjus and Sanremo) by the Monaco Canine Society, presided over by Princess Antoinette, this event have bestowed awards for Best of Group and the Best in Show. In order to become a champion a dog must win four prizes.

Princess Stephanie has never tired of working for those less fortunate, and tomorrow night will see the culmination of one of her biggest projects so far. At the Grimaldi forum at 3pm and 8:30pm, a host of artists will gather to pay tribute to the repertoire of Serge Gainsbourg, the French poet, singer-songwriter, actor and director, to benefit the princess’s charity ‘Fight Aids Monaco’ (more…)

The party given by Prince Albert II to celebrate his 50th birthday recalled for many a similar ‘do’ nearly three years ago on 12 July 2005. That was the day when he was officially inaugurated as head of state, some three months after his father Prince Rainier III passed away. (more…)

Alternatively fuelled cars take centre stage at the luxury and supercar show, Top Marques Monaco, which is on at the Grimaldi Forum Monaco from 24 to 27 April 2008. Lawrie Lewis, Chairman of Top Marques Monaco, was joined by Sir Phillip Green’s Jaguar, a Venturi electric car, a Lambourghini and a Rolls Royce for the press conference held yesterday to present the novelties being introduced this year. (more…)

The Erika incident off the coast of Brittany in 1999, the Prestige incident off the coast of Galicia (Spain) in 2002 and more recently, in 2006, the “Solar 1” disaster in the Philippines… Oil pollution incidents always cause distress to the public considering the extent of the damage caused. The IOPCF (International Oil Pollution Compensation Funds) held their Executive Committee and two working sessions in the Principality from 11th to 14th March. After hosting the United Nations Environment Programme Governing Council from 20th to 22nd February, the meeting for the IOPCF governing bodies in Monaco expresses the Monegasque Government’s will to welcome international organisations particularly on issues relating to Sustainable Development. (more…)

Under the light of the large glass roof of the Grande Verrière in the Grimaldi Forum Monaco, a brand new exhibition is on show. Until 27th April, 200 photos relate the action undertaken by all the Monegasque humanitarian associations. “Monaco et l’humanitaire 1958-2008” was officially opened by Prince Albert II on Tuesday 18th March. On the same day, the Office of International Cooperation and Development, called together, as each year, all the associations to unite their action. (more…)

Just a few weeks after the 32nd Monte Carlo International Circus Festival, the big top in Fontvieille is getting ready to host the new show of one of the most famous circus families. From 25th to 27th April 2008, the Alexi Grüss National Circus will be presenting Orchestra, a show in celebration of the horse, music and the circus, performed by three generations of the family of the same name. (more…)