The Commission for Local Cross-Border Cooperation between France and Monaco met on 3 March at the Prefectural Government building (Palais préfectoral) in Nice.
Established in 2005, this commission meets regularly, alternating between Nice and Monaco. Its role is to consider practical issues that affect the Principality and France as neighbours (such as transport; development and environment; social issues, etc.,) in the spirit of the “common destiny” shared by the two countries.
The meeting was co-chaired by H.E. Mr. Serge Telle, Minister of State of the Principality, Georges-François Leclerc, Prefect of the Alpes-Maritimes and H.E. Ms. Marine de Varne-Trecesson, Ambassador of France to Monaco.
Firstly, the Commission discussed improvements in transport to the Principality. This was marked by the signing of a financial protocol commitment for work to create an exit ramp from the A8 motorway in Beausoleil. Other road access issues and safety work on the binational Rainier III tunnel were also discussed.
With regard to rail transport, an update was given on projects currently under way, which will make it possible to improve the TER service in Monaco (extending the platforms of Nice- Riquier station, enabling large-capacity trains to circulate and work to improve the Mandelieu-Ventimiglia line), and on the project for the new Provence Côte d’Azur line between Cannes and Nice via Sophia-Antipolis.
The commission also discussed development and environment issues in Monaco and in the neighbouring French towns. The Principality informed the French delegation of the progress of the offshore urban extension project in the Portier Cove and the Monegasque project for a cable car between the Exotic Garden and Fontvieille. The two delegations also discussed the future of the La Cruella quarry site in La Turbie, the concession for which is due to expire in 2024, the treatment of waste from the Principality and neighbouring French towns, and the project to create an animal rescue site for the towns of the CARF and Monaco.
In the field of social affairs, the Commission made a preliminary assessment of the implementation of the Franco-Monegasque agreement on teleworking, which now concerns just over 160 French employees in the Principality, and examined ways to extend this new way of working, which creates jobs and is a factor in improving the quality of life. The issue of financing accommodation in France for French employees of the Principality was also discussed. The Commission also noted the effectiveness of the cooperation mechanism introduced to deal with the cases of non-EC foreigners who work in Monaco and are resident in France.
An update was given on cooperation on security matters.
Finally, the parties discussed the application for UNESCO Heritage status for the European “Mediterranean Alps” (“Alpes de la Méditerranée”) natural park, with regard to which the Principality has joined forces with France and Italy.
The work of the local cross-border commission has made it possible to address a variety of issues in the spirit of friendship and cooperation that prevails in relations between France and Monaco. Inter-State issues will be discussed on 11 April 2017 in Monaco, as part of the Commission for Local Cross-Border Cooperation between France and Monaco.
Source: en.gouv.mc
