Monaco's Mirmand addresses EU Parliament during Council of Europe presidency
By Zak Jackson, MonacoViews Editorial
Minister of State Christophe Mirmand appeared before the European Parliament in Strasbourg whilst Monaco holds the presidency of the Council of Europe's Committee of Ministers.
Christophe Mirmand, Monaco's Minister of State, appeared before the European Parliament in Strasbourg on Monday 22 June, delivering an opening address followed by a question-and-answer session with MEPs. The appearance took on added significance as it coincided with Monaco's assumption of the six-month presidency of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe, a role the Principality assumed on 15 May.
This formal accountability session marks a historic moment for the Principality, placing its top government official under direct scrutiny from elected European legislators. The timing underscores Monaco's elevated profile within European governance structures and its commitment to active participation in continental affairs.
Whilst the Principality is not an EU member state, it maintains close ties with the bloc through customs arrangements, the euro as its currency, and ongoing dialogue on regulatory alignment. A sitting before the full parliament, rather than a quiet bilateral meeting, signals that those ties are being examined at a higher political level.