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FIA Launches European Exchange Programme to Boost Club Collaboration
The governing body has initiated a cross-border knowledge-sharing scheme aimed at strengthening grassroots motorsport development and governance across European member clubs.
By Sanne Vermeer - 2026-08-27T15:38:00.000Z - 2 min read
The Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile has launched a pioneering European Exchange Programme designed to foster collaboration, shared ideas, and joint initiatives among its regional member clubs. The initiative allows representatives from various national federations to observe operations, tackle shared challenges, and build long-term frameworks for motorsport championships and events across the continent.
The inaugural pilot phase of the programme took place earlier this month, bringing together representatives from Central and Eastern Europe. Jakub Schimmer of the Autoclub of the Czech Republic and Denis Gasan representing the Automobile Federation of Moldova travelled to Finland to engage with host organization AKK Finland between August 20 and August 22, 2026.
Hosted by AKK Secretary General Anssi Kannas, the delegation participated in an intensive multi-day itinerary. The agenda featured site visits to the Finnish Olympic Committee, sports media production facilities, and the national sporting body's headquarters, offering a firsthand look at domestic governance structures and live event management.
The exchange provided visiting delegates with an in-depth view of how the Finnish federation manages local licensing systems, administrative responsibilities, and grassroots sporting programmes. Observers noted that the direct operational insights offer practical templates that participating clubs can adapt for their own domestic motorsport environments.
Anna Nordkvist, FIA Vice President for Sport in Europe, highlighted the strategic value of the new initiative. She stated that the exchange represents an innovative approach to building motorsport relationships throughout the continent, noting that the successful initial meeting between Finland, Moldova, and the Czech Republic demonstrates the tangible potential of cross-border cooperation.
Echoing those sentiments, fellow FIA Vice President for Sport in Europe Manuel Aviñó emphasized that teamwork forms the cornerstone of the regional exchange project. He expressed satisfaction that the governing body has successfully facilitated this knowledge transfer to support the continued growth and structural development of motorsport in the region.
Following the conclusion of the first successful visit, planning is already underway for the next installment of the programme. The Real Federación Española de Automovilismo will host the upcoming exchange next month, welcoming visiting delegates from the member clubs of Armenia, Norway, and Israel for further collaborative sessions.