NEWS
Monaco To Preside Over the Council of Europe's - For the first time in its history, Monaco will preside over the Council of Europe's Committee of Ministers for six months starting May 2026. A steering committee has begun preparations, outlining key events in Monaco and Strasbourg. The presidency will highlight Monaco’s commitment to sports ethics, children's rights, and combating violence against women.
Nice Attack Trial - The trial of the accused of the 2020 Nice basilica terror attack that killed three people, has begun in Paris. He claims amnesia, but prosecutors argue he was radicalized before arriving in France. Facing life imprisonment, his trial is set to run until the 26th of February.
Car Accident involving 5 Mayors - A car carrying five mayors from Vaucluse has been hit by another vehicle on the 8th of February in Cabrières-d'Avignon, Vaucluse. Only the mayor of La Motte-d’Aigues was injured and taken to the hospital. The driver responsible for the accident will face trial on Monday.
Les Passages du Vivant - To protect wildlife from road collisions, Nice has built underground tunnels called “Les passages du vivant.” These 9-meter tunnels guide animals safely under roads, preventing accidents. In 18 months, they have saved 3,635 animals, including foxes, badgers, and toads, with monitoring confirming their success.
Accomodating Refugees in the Region - To accommodate nearly 7,000 Ukrainian refugees in the region, the local prefecture opens on weekends to help renew their temporary residence permits every six months. This system, supported by state services and translators, processed nearly 1,000 requests over the weekend of February 8-9. Many refugees, like Anastasia, see France as a second home and are grateful for the support, though securing appointments remains a challenge.
New Equestrian Training Area - A new 1,000 m² equestrian training area for the municipal police horse brigade has been built in Croix-des-Gardes in Cannes. This eco-friendly facility improves horse well-being, enhances officer training, and strengthens community ties. The project, completed in January 2025 for €213,000, optimizes training time while integrating seamlessly into the natural environment.
4th World Artificial Intelligence Cannes Festival - The 4th World Artificial Intelligence Cannes Festival (WAICF) will open on the 13th of February, with the launch of a unique European data protection and computing innovation. Cannes will be the first city in France to test this technology, reinforcing its role as a hub for AI innovation.
2025 Nice Carnival - The 2025 Nice Carnival, from the 12th of February 2nd March, celebrates the "King of the Oceans" with illuminated parades, flower battles, and themed events like Queernaval and the Grand Bal. Highlights include stunning floats, a student parade, and the symbolic burning of the carnival king. Inclusivity is key, with free entry for costumed visitors, accessibility measures, and festivities across the city.
Traffic During Carnival - During the Nice Carnival (Feb 12 - Mar 2, 2025), traffic and parking restrictions will affect the Promenade des Anglais and surrounding areas. Traffic will be regulated or banned on specific dates, with major closures on the 15th, 18th, 22nd, 25th of February and 1st of March. Some parking lots will be closed, and public transport is recommended, with tram line 2 unaffected.
15th Monaco Run Gramaglia - Well done to those who participated in the 15th Monaco Run Gramaglia, which saw 3,800 runners participate across various races, including 5K, 10K, and new 12K and 30K trail events. Cédric Siebert won the 10km in 30:44, while Olympic triathlete Cassandre Beaugrand dominated the 5K. Over 300 people joined the Pink Ribbon walk to support breast cancer research to be conducted at the Princess Grace Hospital of Monaco.
BUSINESS
Labour remains committed to building 1.5 million homes by 2029 despite challenges in housebuilding. Angela Rayner emphasized there are "no excuses" and pledged planning reforms, while industry experts doubt the target is achievable. The government also announced plans to speed up home-buying and empower leaseholders.
And - Trump announces a 25% tariff on all steel and aluminium imports, affecting key trade partners like Canada. China retaliates with tariffs on U.S. goods and export controls on rare metals. Trump also hints at more trade measures and controversially suggests the U.S. could take over Canada and Gaza.
SPORTS
Cricket - Ireland clinched a 63-run victory on a tense final day in the one-off Test against Zimbabwe in Bulawayo as Matthew Humphreys' seven-wicket match haul proved crucial.
Rugby Union - Injured duo Immanuel Feyi-Waboso and George Furbank could return to boost England's back-three options before the end of the Six Nations. full-back Furbank is recovering from fracturing his arm in Northampton's Champions Cup win over the Bulls in December, and Feyi-Waboso will be assessed by England's medical staff when the squad reconvene later this week after dislocating his shoulder before Christmas.
Tennis - Emma Raducanu fell to a fourth consecutive defeat for the first time in her career as she was beaten in straight sets 6-3 7-5 by Ekaterina Alexandrova in the first round of the Qatar Open.
WEATHER
Mostly cloudy across the region today with gentle to moderate winds. Highs of 14 degrees in Nice, 15 in Cannes, Toulon and Marseille, and 16 degrees in Saint-Tropez.
Tonight, Cloudy with chances of rain and lows of 9 degrees.
Outlook for tomorrow, Cloudy and wet across the region with highs of 13 degrees with gentle to moderate winds.
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