European Parliament launches new Motorcycling MEP Club
The European Parliament has launched a new cross-party Motorcycling MEP Club, giving riders a dedicated voice as new transport and environmental laws continue to emerge.
The European Parliament now has an official group dedicated to motorcycles, with a new cross-party Motorcycling MEP Club launching in Brussels as the industry looks to strengthen its influence over future transport legislation.
The new group was formally established on 1 July, bringing together Members of the European Parliament from across the political spectrum with the aim of ensuring motorcycles, scooters and mopeds continue to be considered when new mobility, environmental and road safety policies are developed.
The club elected Andreas Glück as its first Chair, with Matej Tonin, Bernd Lange and Nora Junco serving as Vice-Chairs.
To mark the launch, members joined the European Association of Motorcycle Manufacturers (ACEM) for its annual Summer Ride, completing a 50km route through and around Brussels before attending an evening reception.
The event also marked the first public appearance of Markus Flasch in his new role as ACEM President, having taken over the position following the association's General Assembly in Munich.
While the ride itself was largely symbolic, the formation of the Motorcycling MEP Club could prove significant. In recent years, the European Union has introduced or proposed legislation covering everything from emissions and recycled materials to vehicle safety, battery regulations and end-of-life vehicle recycling. Having a dedicated group of MEPs focused specifically on powered two-wheelers gives both manufacturers and riders a more direct route into discussions before those policies become law.
Speaking about the new club, Wim Taal, FEMA’s General Secretary said:
“FEMA welcomes the club as an open channel to talk to Members of the European Parliament on how political, environmental, and technological changes are reshaping mobility. For both FEMA and FIM, the Motorcycling MEP Club should be viewed less as a lobbying target and more as a long-term relationship platform. It offers a way to build understanding of motorcycling across political groups before legislative proposals become politically entrenched. FEMA brings the perspective of everyday riders and public policy, while FIM represents motorcycle sport and has technical expertise, and a global reach. Together, we can present motorcycling as a broad societal issue rather than a niche interest.”
For riders in the UK, the club won't have any direct influence over domestic legislation. However, many of the technical and environmental standards developed in Europe are eventually adopted more widely by manufacturers, meaning decisions taken in Brussels often have an impact well beyond the EU's borders.
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Simon (AKA Toad) has been working within the motorcycle industry for more than twelve years, and a member of the motorcyclist family since birth. Growing up around British-built single and twins, it was inevitable that a life on two wheels was on the cards, from a very early age!
