DUBAI: Leaders from the Middle East, Europe and Africa are gathering in Budva in Montenegro for the FIA Region I Spring Meeting as Mohammed Ben Sulayem, the organization’s president, highlights safety, sustainability and innovation priorities.
The three-day congress, hosted by the Auto-Moto Association of Montenegro, will bring together representatives from 102 FIA member clubs to discuss the future of safe, sustainable mobility and the continued development of motorsport across the regions.
Ben Sulayem will attend the meeting, which will focus on key challenges shaping both road transport systems and the global motorsport landscape. Discussions are set to centre on strengthening collaboration between member clubs, improving road safety standards, and advancing innovation in mobility solutions.
Ben Sulayem said: “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.
“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.”
Alongside the main sessions, several FIA commissions and working groups will convene during the event. These include the International Historic Commission and the Founding Members’ Club, both focused on preserving motoring heritage, as well as the FIA Eurocouncil, which 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 will hold dedicated meetings to explore ways to further develop motorsport at national level, with particular emphasis on enhancing driver safety and improving the fan experience.
The event will also 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, while 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.
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.