News
Summit for Action on Artificial Intelligence comes to an end - The "Summit for Action on Artificial Intelligence" in Paris has brought together global leaders, researchers, and tech CEOs this week, to announce transformative investments and outline commitments for a more ethical, sustainable, and inclusive future for AI. Over €300 billion in funding has been pledged, with France set to receive €109 billion for AI development, including a major data centre project backed by the United Arab Emirates. Additionally, the European Union committed €200 billion, combining public and private investment, to strengthen AI across the continent, though this funding will depend on easing regulations.
A global declaration was signed by over 60 nations. However, notable AI powers like the US, UK, and Israel did not endorse the declaration. The commitments reflect a significant push to balance investment in AI with ethical standards and global cooperation.
Meanwhile, at the close of the AI Summit in Paris on Tuesday, February 11th, 2025, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced that India would host the next international meeting on artificial intelligence, becoming the fourth country to do so after the UK, South Korea, and France.
Report shows increase in deportations in our region - According to a report published this week, in 2024, the Alpes-Maritimes saw a 41% increase in deportations, with 486 expulsions, including 12 linked to radicalization. Despite a rise in residence and asylum applications, the region has seen one of the lowest regularization rates in France, granting only 5.25% of exceptional residence requests. The region’s Prefect Hugues Moutouh emphasized a strict immigration policy, focusing on expelling irregular migrants and prioritising legal workers, especially in sectors like construction and services. Deportation of individuals under the obligation to leave the territory (OQTF) was higher than the national average at 13.35%.
The future of the Gare du Sud in Nice - Speculation surrounding the future of the Gare du Sud’s food hall is intensifying, particularly with recent construction work and reduced weekday lunch hours. Launched in 2023, the concept had sparked debate over its long-term viability. Some locals suggest transforming the space, with ideas including a market featuring local products, restaurants, and cultural areas. Political figures, including Éric Ciotti, have also proposed alternative uses like turning it into a theatre. Community feedback remains mixed, with some pushing for a more diverse, community-driven space.
Train services disrupted - Train services at Nice station were severely disrupted during Tuesday morning’s rush hour due to a computer failure with significant delays and cancellations across the network. While the issue has been resolved, delays of 5 to 20 minutes were still affecting both arrivals and departures on Tuesday and passengers were advised to expect delays.
HSH Prince Albert II of Monaco attends the Super Bowl - HSH Prince Albert II of Monaco has been photographed with the U.S. President Donald Trump for the first time since Trumps election as President. They were seen together in the stands at the 2025 Super Bowl in New Orleans. Prince Albert is believed to have been supporting the Philadelphia Eagles, with the city being where his late mother, Princess Grace, was born. In addition to the Super Bowl, Prince Albert visited the Sankofa Wetland Park, a 40-acre ecological restoration project in New Orleans. The park, developed after Hurricane Katrina, serves as a community space for environmental education and resilience-building.
D-Day landing beaches nominated as candidates for UNESCO - The D-Day landing beaches in Normandy have officially been nominated as candidates for UNESCO World Heritage status. The historic site, spanning approximately 80 kilometres of coastline, is where the D-Day landings took place on June 6th, 1944, marking a turning point in World War II and the liberation of France and Europe. Local residents in Normandy have emphasised the importance of preserving the memory of the sacrifices made during the World War II. If granted, UNESCO status would help ensure the ongoing preservation of the beaches and their historic significance. The nomination will be reviewed in 2026.
Love is in the air! - The Nice Centre Rive Droite shopkeepers' association is hosting a Valentine’s Day contest to crown the most glamorous couple in Nice. To enter, couples can take a romantic photo in local locations or scenic streets in the area. The photo with the most likes on Instagram (tagging @shoppinginnice with #Glamour2025) will win the title. Meanwhile, for singles, there’s a speed dating event on Valentine’s Day evening at Kililie's restaurant, catering to those aged 30 to 50. The event requires a 15-euro registration fee.
Lights in the sky above Nice, mystery solved - Finally, I don’t know if you saw them, but I certainly did on the port of Nice. On Monday evening February 10th, 2025, mysterious lights were spotted in the sky, sparking curiosity and speculation. Some thought it might be a weather phenomenon or an aircraft, but meteorologist Guillaume Séchet has since confirmed that it was neither. The lights were actually part of rehearsals for the upcoming Nice Carnival, set to begin on February 15th. Powerful beams of light were being tested in Place Masséna as part of the festivities. So, no UFOs, just preparations for a spectacular event!
Business
According to the Bank of France, French economic activity is expected to grow by 0.1% to 0.2% in the first quarter of 2025, driven primarily by services. This growth follows a slight contraction in GDP in the fourth quarter of 2024, partly due to the aftermath of the Paris 2024 Olympics. The monthly business survey conducted in early February shows a modest increase in activity across various sectors, including industry, market services, and construction. However, the outlook remains uncertain, influenced by ongoing trade tensions with the United States.
European and Canadian leaders have vowed to challenge US President Donald Trump's decision to impose a 25% tariff on steel and aluminium imports. The European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen promised "firm and proportionate countermeasures," while Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau pledged to "stand up for" Canadian workers and businesses. Trump defended the move, claiming it would "simplify" trade rules and boost domestic production, marking a significant expansion of trade barriers.
Elon Musk has joined President Donald Trump at the Oval Office as Trump signed an executive order granting the tech billionaire the authority to oversee large-scale reductions in the federal workforce. As head of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), Musk aims to introduce "common sense controls" to government spending. Musk, carrying his son X Æ A-12, defended the move, stating, "The public voted for major government reform," and called out the power of the bureaucracy over elected officials.
Heathrow is set to announce a multibillion-pound expansion plan aimed at increasing airport capacity, ahead of its proposal for a third runway. The UK's largest airport is embarking on a "once-in-a-generation investment," starting this year, to improve existing infrastructure and boost passenger numbers. The development will enhance terminals two and five and add more aircraft stands. Funded by Heathrow's shareholders, the expansion will be financed through charges to airlines and customers. The plan is separate from the recently government-backed third runway project.
And - According to reports Amazon has banned the sale of car number plates on its platform following an investigation revealing illegal sales. The investigation found seven companies selling plates without verifying customers' documents, breaching UK law. It's illegal for UK businesses to supply number plates without seeing key documents like a driver's license or V5.
Sport
Football - Paris Saint-Germain took control of their all-France Champions League knockout tie with Brest beating them 3-0 on Tuesday evening.
Meanwhile, Bellingham's late strike puts Real Madrid ahead in tense play-off against Manchester City who are left fighting for Champions League survival. City initially impressed but, Real Madrid went on to seize control. Amongst the Champion league matches tonight Monaco are at home to Benfica. Kick off is at 9pm French time.
Rugby Union - Warren Gatland's second stint as Wales head coach has come to an end, marking another twist in the troubled world of Welsh rugby. When he returned in December 2022, he risked his legacy, having been Wales’ most successful and longest-serving coach. However, his second spell failed to deliver the hoped-for success, leaving him with a record of 76 wins and 73 defeats from 151 matches across both stints.
Formula One - McLaren have secured the future of technical director Peter Prodromou with a multi-year contract extension, recognizing his pivotal role in the team's resurgence over the past two seasons. While the exact length of the extension remains undisclosed, McLaren emphasized its importance in their long-term plans. Prodromou’s expertise has been crucial in the team's revival after being sidelined under previous leadership.
Tennis - World number one Aryna Sabalenka and third-ranked Coco Gauff have both been eliminated in the second round of the Qatar Open.
Weather
Cloudy, a yellow warning for heavy rain is in place until midday today. Moderate winds. Highs of 14 degrees in Nice, 12 degrees in Monaco, 13 degrees in Saint-Tropez. This evening going down to 10 degrees along the coast with cloudy skies.
The outlook for tomorrow, sunny intervals and a gentle breeze. Friday and heading into the weekend, fine with highs of 15 degrees.
Sunrise 07.33am
Sunset 05.56pm
Weather elsewhere
Palma 18° sunny.
Grenoble 15° sunny intervals.
Liverpool 6° light cloud.
Local snow report – Yellow avalanche warning is in place.
Isola 2000 – 1° snowing 18/19 lifts operating. 43/46 slopes are open. 100cm snow.
Valberg – 4° snowing 12/15 lifts running. 31/42 runs open. 60cm snow.
Auron – 3° snowing 19/19 lifts running. 42/43 runs open. 100cm snow.
And Finally
A survey of 2,000 couples together for at least 10 years reveals that friendship is the most important factor in a lasting relationship, with 80% of couples ranking it as essential. Monogamy, surprisingly, ranked lower than shared hobbies or watching TV together, with only 41% considering it vital. Loyalty (58%) and a similar sense of humour (51%) were also key factors. Over half (56%) of couples felt passion is overrated, and intimacy ranked low, with just 35% seeing it as necessary for a lasting bond.
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