Page 3 - MONACO LAW REVIEW 2025-2

Every State, regardless of its size, is today expected to
demonstrate how it upholds the universal principles of
justice, the rule of law and respect for fundamental rights.
For Monaco, the international evaluations conducted by the
United Nations, the Council of Europe and other specialised
bodies are far more than diplomatic formalities. They
embody the clear and steady resolve of a sovereign State
to fully and unequivocally honour its commitments and to
attest to the soundness of its legal system.
For more than twenty years, the Principality has taken part
in rigorous assessment processes led, among others, by the
United Nations Committee against Torture, the Committee
on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination and-within the
European framework-the Group of States against Corruption
and the Group of Experts on Action against Violence against
Women and Domestic Violence. These reviews come
in addition to those relating to the fight against money
laundering and the financing of terrorism.
Although sometimes perceived as demanding, these
procedures prove highly constructive. Each invites reflection,
drives reform and supports the continuous development
of our legislation and institutions. The recommendations
issued in recent years have prompted Monaco to strengthen
anti-corruption safeguards, enhance the protection of
victims and improve transparency in public life. Far from
diminishing Monaco’s sovereignty, these exchanges bolster
its vigour and credibility.
Through these processes, Monaco demonstrates its ability
to turn constraints into drivers of progress. The reforms
introduced after the Principality was placed on the
Financial Action Task Force grey list in June 2024 are a clear
illustration. Rather than merely undergoing the evaluation,
the Principality acted with firm resolve to modernise its anti-
money-laundering framework, notably through the creation
of the Monegasque Financial Security Authority (AMSF), the
Office for the Management of Seized and Confiscated Assets
(SGA) and the Economic and Financial Division within the
General Prosecutor’s Office…
This progress is not the achievement of a single institution,
but the result of a collective effort. All national bodies
work together to ensure the full effectiveness of Monaco’s
international commitments. They share the same objective:
to serve the common good and uphold the Principality’s
standing among States committed to the rule of law.
On the eve of Monaco’s Presidency of the Committee of
Ministers of the Council of Europe in 2026, this unity of
purpose takes on particular significance. It reflects the
ambition of a Principality open to the world, able to meet
international standards while remaining true to its identity-a
Principality that sees every review not as a burden, but as an
opportunity for progress and renewed influence.
Samuel VUELTA SIMON
State Secretary of Justice