Monaco’s elected body has reacted forcefully to recent reports in the media on the progress of association talks with the European Union.

In a press statement, the Council said that there is a “very strong emotion in Monegasque public opinion” about the sensitive issue of the Principality agreeing terms with the EU that could threaten the National Priority enjoyed by Monegasques in housing and employment.

The National Council is calling for impact studies to be made showing the benefits or otherwise of reaching an agreement. The body has asked the Government to carry out its own studies on the topic.

“The National Council emphasises that it will not compromise with the specificities of the Monegasque model based on National Priority in all areas…”

The body also calls for more transparency from the state negotiator.

“The elected officials recall once again that any agreement must be the subject of a bill authorising ratification, submitted to their vote. They were elected on February 5 so that the Monegasque social pact, based on the National Priority (must be) scrupulously protected and perpetuated, without any ultimatum.”

ORIGINAL SOURCE: Monaco National Council (editor’s note: the original press release, in French, has been liberally translated and edited for clarity.)

FILE PHOTO: The National Council

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