Club Eco Monaco conference: Security, a central pillar of Monaco's appeal.

On 18 September, as part of the Monaco Business trade show, the Monaco Economic Board (MEB) and Groupe Nice-Matin organised a new Club Eco Monaco round table. Chaired by Baptiste Bize, Editorial Director of Groupe Nice-Matin, the discussion brought together five key stakeholders to examine the significance of security within the Principality's economic model and its appeal.

Invited by Baptiste Bize to provide an overview of government policy, Lionel Beffre, Government Counsellor and Minister of the Interior, immediately referenced the explosion that occurred on 29 June to demonstrate the effectiveness of the Monegasque system. Confronted with this extraordinary event, the perpetrator was identified within just 48 hours, which the Minister cited as a true "indicator of security performance in Monaco". To sustain this excellence and adapt to emerging threats, the Government is particularly relying on technological advancements, such as the draft law on facial recognition designed to instantly identify individuals at risk. This legislation is scheduled for a vote next October in the National Council.

This overall performance was confirmed on the ground by Éric Arella, Director of Public Safety. He recalled that the Principality has historically maintained low crime rates thanks to a very strong police presence, which is set to be further reinforced, and a dense network of video surveillance. Highlighting the effectiveness of his services, as demonstrated by the very rapid arrest of two luxury watch thieves this summer, he concluded: "I think it is not a good idea to come to Monaco to cause trouble."

This level of security, highly regarded internationally, is a significant advantage for the financial and wealth management sector. Francesco Grosoli, Managing Director of CMB Monaco, recalls that the country's steadfast stability is unique worldwide. He affirms that settling in the Principality goes beyond purely fiscal considerations: "People come here because Monaco is a place where they can live peacefully."

This sense of tranquillity is also evident in the real estate sector and the quality of life. Michel Dotta, Deputy Chairman of Dotta Immobilier, specifically highlighted the close cooperation between private residences and the police. He also emphasised the high standards maintained in the numerous High-Rise Buildings (IGH) within the Principality, where staff are continually trained to ensure residents' security. Beyond these technical measures, he praised the atmosphere of propriety that creates the impression of arriving in a true haven of peace: "It's the possibility of moving around peacefully, enjoying the finer things in life." All these qualities undoubtedly contribute to the exceptional value of real estate in Monaco.

Finally, security remains an essential criterion for international business tourism. Sylvie Biancheri, CEO of the Grimaldi Forum, outlined the impressive human and technological resources employed by her venue, which hosts hundreds of thousands of visitors annually. Whether reassuring organisers of major congresses or safeguarding highly valuable art exhibitions, she summarises this advantage: "Lending a work of art to Monaco is undoubtedly, in the mind of a collector or institution, more reassuring than lending it to other destinations."

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Press contacts: Benoît Ulrich / Delphine Quilichini – presse@meb.mc

Photo credits: Charly Gallo / Monaco Business