Monaco and the Council of Europe: Prince Albert II and Princess Charlene welcome ambassadors at the Palace

The Principality of Monaco welcomed a high-level delegation from the Council of Europe to the Prince’s Palace, on the occasion of Monaco’s Presidency of the Committee of Ministers. Prince Albert II and Princess Charlene received the ambassadors and permanent representatives of the organisation’s 46 member states, in a meeting highlighting Monaco’s role in European institutional dialogue.

The reception took place as part of the 1,567th meeting of the Ministers’ Deputies and represented one of the most significant events of the Principality’s Presidency. The gathering at the Palace provided an opportunity to reaffirm the importance of cooperation among European states at a time of international tensions and profound change.

Prince Albert II highlights the importance of dialogue and multilateralism

During the meeting, Prince Albert II of Monaco focused on the principles underpinning the Principality’s commitment to the Council of Europe.

Particular emphasis was placed on multilateralism, dialogue between states and the protection of the rule of law, all of which were highlighted as essential elements in addressing the transformations and challenges facing European societies today.

The Sovereign also underlined the role of the Council of Europe in promoting dialogue and cooperation among its member states, particularly in an international environment marked by instability and emerging common challenges.

Monaco’s Presidency of the Committee of Ministers therefore represents an important institutional responsibility for the Principality, allowing it to contribute to discussions on major issues affecting Europe.

Representatives of the 46 member states at the Palace

The reception brought together ambassadors and permanent representatives of the 46 member states of the Council of Europe, underlining the international significance of the occasion.

Among those attending were Council of Europe Secretary General Alain Berset and Deputy Secretary General Tanja Gonggrijp, alongside other diplomatic and institutional representatives.

The presence of the delegations at the Prince’s Palace made the event a particularly significant moment during Monaco’s Presidency, placing the Principality at the heart of a discussion centred on shared European values and principles.

An official photograph in the Palace Courtyard

At the end of the visit, Prince Albert II and Princess Charlene took part in the official photograph with the ambassadors and representatives of the Council of Europe.

The photograph was taken in the Cour d’Honneur of the Prince’s Palace, providing a symbolic image of the meeting between the Princely Family and delegations from the 46 member states.

The occasion thus combined the institutional dimension of the Presidency of the Committee of Ministers with the diplomatic role traditionally associated with the Principality, reaffirming Monaco’s commitment to European dialogue.

Monaco strengthens its role on the European stage

The reception of the ambassadors at the Palace represents one of the key moments of Monaco’s Presidency of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe. For the Principality, leading the body also means bringing issues such as international cooperation, respect for the rule of law and the importance of maintaining open channels of dialogue to the forefront.

At a time when Europe is facing a complex geopolitical environment, the Monaco meeting therefore carried significance beyond its purely ceremonial character. The presence of delegations from all 46 member states offered an opportunity to reaffirm the value of multilateral institutions and cooperation between countries.

For Monaco, the Presidency of the Committee of Ministers is consequently an important institutional and diplomatic opportunity, strengthening the Principality’s presence within the European and international landscape.

Ft.©M.Alesi/PalaisPrincier