Prawnomiędzynarodowy status i polityka zagraniczna Monako
Legal status and foreign policy of Monaco

Summary/Abstract: According to its constitution Monaco is a sovereign state. Nevertheless because of its size and geographical position it has special relations with France. In the past France was the protector of the Principality. Current Franco-Monegasque relations are based on the bilateral treaty signed in 2002, which recognizes the sovereignty of Monaco, but confirms that France will guarantee the security of the Principality. Several other arrangements permit close cooperation between Monaco and its only neighbor. Monaco has also close relations with its second traditional partner – Italy. Since the nineties Monaco has been developing an active foreign policy. In 1993 it joined U N. Monaco disposes of important sources of revenue thanks to banking sector and tourism. It wants to use this money to strengthen its international position and improve its image in the world. / Principality has more than 100 consulates around the world; it is the member of several international organisations. / The core element of Monegasque foreign policy is the policy of international cooperation. It focuses on such issues as the protection of environment, education, health and fight with poverty and on two neighboring regions - Mediterranean and sub-Saharan Africa. Policy of international cooperation actively engages Monegasque experts as well as NGOs. / e ecology – especially the protection of the maritime environment – remains the priority of the Monegasque foreign policy. Monaco hosts several international institutions in this field and is member of several others. Despite its engagement in this area, Monaco is still perceived mainly through the activities of its banking sector. For many years the Principality has been criticized for being a fiscal paradise. / is issue is especially controversial in Franco-Monegasque relations. In our decade, Monaco had to make some improvements; nevertheless it remains one of the few fiscal paradises in Europe.

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