Status of the Principality in
International Law
Monaco, a sovereign state
The first article of the December 17 1962 Constitution states that the "Principality of Monaco is a sovereign and
independant State, within the framework of the general principles of international law and the special treaty signed with
France)).
It defines in a synthetic formula the position of the Principality within the international society characterized by the
following two principles:
- Its total independance in respect of the treaty signed.
- Its existence as an international legal state justifying its right to negociate.
The relations of the Principality of Monaco with France on the level of political concerns are addressed in the treaty of
July17, 1918.
Thereby the Republic of France assures the defense of the Principality's independance and Sovereignty guarantees the
integrity of its territory.
The Prince's government thereby engages itself to exercise its right of sovereignty in perfect conformity with the
political, economic, military and naval interest of France, and consults with France prior to engaging in international
relations.
The recognition of the Sovereignty and independance of the Principality was further confirmed by the
International Community with its admission at the i 83rd State member on
May 28, i 993 to the united Nations Organization under the high authority of the Prince, the Minister of State handles foreign relations.
The Principality maintains diplomatic representations in several European countries (France, Germany Belgium, Italy
Spain, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Switzerland, The Holy See and Liechtenstein ) as well as the united Nations.
In addition, i 20 consulates of Monaco headed by honorary consuls are open in 55 countries throughout Europe, Asia,
Africa and America.
Reciprocally in the Principality 55 countries are represented by either career consuls (France and ltaly)or by honorary
consuls.
Organizations and international efforts to which Monaco adheres:
The united Nations
Institutions within the UN :
- united Nations organization for education, sciences and culture (UNESCO)
- World Health Organization
- universal Postal union
- International Atomic Energy Agency
- International Telecommunications union
- General Council for Fishing in the Mediterranean
- World Intellectual Property Organization
- International Civil Aviation Organization
- International Maritime Organization
- Action plan for the Mediterranean
- vienna Convention and Montreal Protocol for the protection of the Ozone layer
Conference for European Security and Cooperation
Intergovernmental Organizations
- International Hydrographic Bureau
- International Exhibitions Bureau
- International Commission for Scientific Exploration of the Mediterranean Sea
- International Patents Institute
- European Patents Office
- International Aid Union
- Cultural and Technical Cooperation Agency
- International Legal Metrology Organization
- Convention on the regulations for whaling
- European Commission of Civil Aviation
- Latin States Union
- International Railway Transportation Organization
- European conference of satellite telecommunications
- INTELSAT
- EUTELSAT
- INMARSAT
-Convention on the international commerce of wild faun and flora species
- International Council for the French language
- International Organization of Superior Institutions on public finances control
- European Organization of Superior Institutions on public finances control
- European Space Research Organization
- European Conference of Postal and Telecommunications Administration
International non-governmental organizations
- International Criminal Police Organization
- International Committee of the Red-Cross
- Permanent In ternational Association of Navigational Congresses
- International Associations Union
- International Association for the Congress Palaces
- European Federation for Congress Cities
- International Theater Institute
- European Commission of Tourism
- International Diplomatic Academy
- International Medical and Military Pharmacy Commitee
- International Association of Civil Airports
- Worldwide Energy Conference
- International Union for the Preservation of Nature
Internatinal Organizations headquartered in Monaco
- International Hydrographic Bureau
- International Commission for the Scientific Exploration of the Mediterranean
- Research laboratory of the International Atomic Energy Agency
- International Medical-Legal Commission
- International Amateur Athletic Federation
- General Association of the International Sports Federation
The Privileged Relations with France
The aforementioned Treaty of July 17 ,1918,which describs the reletions of the Principality of Monaco with
France on the level of political concenrns ,was amended by an entire range of bilateral conventions addressing internal
and economic issues
Regarding internal issues,conventions were passed between the two countries concerning:
-
The organization of common public services:customs ,post and telegraphy, mutual judicial support
-
Recruitment for specific public functions: the Convention of July 26,1930,requires that a certain number of
administrative and Monegasque magistrative positions are to be held by French nationals ,reciprocally to be held by
French nationals ,reciprocally in exchange for the access of Monegasque to certain French public positions
Regarding economic issues :conventions,the latest being that of May 18,1963,have intervened in customs and fiscal
issues The French territory and the Mongasque territory have common customs.The resulting activities from the custums
union is shared annually between the Principality and France based on the population and coefficient of activity
determined by common agreement.
It is the same with regard to the taxes on the rate of turnover. The final product of perceived operationsin both
countries is shared each year based on the volume of business conducted
on the respective territory of each country.
Fiscally, there are no direct taxes on personal income in Monaco.The fiscal convention of May i 8,1 963 ,howe-
verimposed taxes on French nationals who could not justify five years of ordinary residency in Monaco at the date of
October 13,1962.
Companies making over 25% of their income from outside Monaco are subject to taxes equaling one theird their
profits.