The National Council reiterates its “red lines”
National councilors and members of the government met on Friday 8 April to take stock of the progress of a possible association agreement with the European Union.
In 2015, discussions began between Switzerland, San Marino, Andorra and Monaco for a possible association treaty. Since then, between Switzerland’s withdrawal from the talks, Brexit, the Covid and the arrival of new negotiators on the European side, the project has stalled. However, the discussions were to resume, face-to-face, this year. On this occasion, the national advisers and the members of the Prince’s Government established their negotiation strategy and their red lines not to be exceeded.
three red lines
At the end of the meeting, the National Council made a point of reaffirming “its unfailing commitment to defend the Monegasque economic and social model, as well as respect for the rights of Nationals.”
For this, the Council has established three red lines not to be a franchisor: the maintenance of national priority for Monegasques must be respected in all areas, Monegasques must have exclusive access to certain regulated professions, prior authorization will be necessary for all business and resident installations in the Principality.
By reiterating these red lines as it had already done in June 2021, the National Council wants to reassure Monegasques by offering them priority even if an agreement is concluded between the European Union and Monaco.