Monaco takes the chair at the Council of Europe
By Zak Jackson, MonacoViews Editorial
The Principality has formally launched its presidency of the Council of Europe's Committee of Ministers in Strasbourg, marking the start of a significant diplomatic term.
Strasbourg played host to Monaco's formal assumption of the Council of Europe's Committee of Ministers presidency on Friday, opening a diplomatic chapter that places the Principality at the centre of pan-European governance for the duration of its term.
The launch day brought a series of set-piece moments. Minister of State representatives held a bilateral meeting with the Council of Europe's Secretary General, while young Monégasque pianist Stella Almondo performed in the organisation's foyer - a cultural gesture that underscored the Principality's soft-power ambitions alongside its institutional role. A ceremony on the forecourt of the Council of Europe building followed, again attended by the Secretary General.
Strasbourgians riding the city's tram network on Friday may have noticed something unusual: one of the city's trams was unveiled in the colours of Monaco's presidency, a visible public statement of the handover. The day closed with a performance by La Palladienne on the Place de la Mairie, bringing the celebrations into the heart of the city.
For Monaco residents and the government institutions that serve them, the presidency represents a raised international profile and a platform to advance positions on human rights, rule of law and democratic standards - areas where the Principality has worked to demonstrate compliance and ambition within the broader European framework.