FIA Region I Spring Meeting Convenes in Montenegro to Shape Mobility and Motorsport Future
Leaders from the Middle East, Europe, and Africa are gathering in Budva, Montenegro for the FIA Region I Spring Meeting. Mohammed Ben Sulayem, the organization's president, is highlighting safety, sustainability, and innovation as key priorities for the future of global mobility and motorsport.
Three-Day Congress Brings Together 102 Member Clubs
The three-day congress, hosted by the Auto-Moto Association of Montenegro, brings together representatives from 102 FIA member clubs. Discussions focus on the future of safe, sustainable mobility and the continued development of motorsport across these regions. Ben Sulayem is attending the meeting, which centers on key challenges shaping both road transport systems and the global motorsport landscape.
Discussions are set to center on:
- Strengthening collaboration between member clubs
- Improving road safety standards
- Advancing innovation in mobility solutions
President Ben Sulayem Emphasizes Collaboration and Progress
Ben Sulayem stated: "I am delighted to be joining our members and partners in Budva for this important regional gathering. I look forward to engaging with colleagues from across Europe, Africa and the Middle East on the key challenges and opportunities shaping mobility and motorsport today."
He continued: "Montenegro provides a fitting backdrop for these discussions, as we consider how to strengthen transport systems, improve road safety, and support sustainable solutions that deliver safer, more sustainable and more affordable mobility for all road users. This meeting is an important opportunity to deepen collaboration, share expertise across mobility and motorsport, and advance our shared priorities."
Commissions, Working Groups, and Programs in Focus
Alongside the main sessions, several FIA commissions and working groups are convening during the event. These include:
- The International Historic Commission
- The Founding Members' Club
- The FIA Eurocouncil
Both the International Historic Commission and Founding Members' Club focus on preserving motoring heritage, while the FIA Eurocouncil plays a key role in shaping the future of mobility across Europe.
Member clubs are also continuing to roll out the FIA's Safe Mobility 4 All and 4 Life program, aimed at improving road safety and accessibility across the region. National Sporting Authorities are holding dedicated meetings to explore ways to further develop motorsport at national level, with particular emphasis on enhancing driver safety and improving the fan experience.
Innovation Challenge and Montenegro's Growing Infrastructure
The event will see the announcement of the three regional winners of the FIA Innovation Challenge 2026, recognizing clubs that have demonstrated outstanding commitment to advancing mobility services in their respective countries.
Montenegro's growing transport infrastructure and evolving motorsport scene provide a timely setting for the discussions. Recent investments, including the opening of the Bar-Boljare motorway in 2022, have improved connectivity and supported economic development. Ongoing road safety reforms and the country's Sustainable Transport Action Plan are driving progress toward safer mobility.
At grassroots level, Montenegro's motorsport culture continues to expand, led by rally and hill climb competitions such as the Montenegro Trophy, which has attracted increasing regional participation in recent years.
FIA's Global Network and Governance Structure
The FIA's global network remains central to its governance, with 245 member clubs across 149 countries representing more than 80 million members worldwide. These clubs operate either as National Sporting Authorities, responsible for regulating and developing motorsport, or as mobility organizations focused on road safety, travel services and consumer advocacy—with some fulfilling both roles.
