FEMA AGM 2023

FEMA’s (Federation of European Motorcyclists Associations) AGM was held in Brussels and online on Saturday 11th February 2023, chaired by Anna Zee, President, also Director of Political and Technical Services of the BMF. Twenty-seven attendees, from 18 national motorcycle organisations inside and outside the EU, with apologies from a further three NMOs and two partner organisations, approved the agenda, and the minutes of the October ’22 meeting.

A financial report, from Treasurer Jim Freeman, reported an operating loss of 1225 euros, against a projected loss of 1018 forecast in the 2022 budget. The overall position was a solid foundation for 2023 though the budget for 2023 was more difficult. There were two options, both of which projected major losses for 2023, caused by inflation and likely staff changes. The Committee voted for ‘V2’ which projected a maximum loss of 25,000 euros.

The Committee voted to accept the financial operations of the Board, approving the usual disclaimer for the past year, 2022. Elections were held for the Management Board. These candidates were approved:

President: Anna Zee Treasurer: Jim Freeman

Board: Jesper Christensen, SMC (Sveriges MotorCyklister), Sweden • Odd Terje Dovik, NMCU (Norsk Motorcykkel Union), Norway • Steinmar Gunnarsson, BLS (Sniglar Bifhjólasamtök lýðveldisinns), Iceland • Lene Michelson, MCTC (Motor Cycle Touring Club), Denmark

The annual NMO fees increase, generally in line with inflation, would be waived, because of members’ widespread difficulties with inflation and the war in Ukraine.

Secretariat reports from Dolf Willigers, General Secretary, and Wim Taal, Communications Officer followed.

The primary guest speaker, Ludovic Basset, Director Corporate and Public Affairs at ACEM (Association of European Motorcycle Manufacturers) presented the ongoing attempts to harmonise licencing and training and testing of electric PTWs versus ICE bikes. One issue is the nominal versus perceived power delivery, which make the 11Kw power output of a 125cc ICE bike unrealistic.

The survey results on historic vehicles were used to create an FEMA position for the European Union – essentially bikes at least 30 years old and returnable to an unmodified condition.

Following a FEMA tradition, dormant during the pandemic, we had a national organisation presentation by Emily Rochester on the current lobbying work of the BMF, and her role in it. Not least the work of the BMF’s Communications Committee, directed by Sheonagh Ravensdale, with operational control by Helen Hancock.

The next FEMA Committee meeting will be hosted by NMCU, on Saturday 3rd June 2023, in Kristiansand, Norway, as a hybrid meeting.

Report by Jim Freeman