The_Assessor_Spring 2026 web - Flipbook - Page 31
distractions, zero blood alcohol limit,
mobile phone to be switched off and
inaccessible to the driver and harsher
penalties for violations
I was asked where I had obtained this
information and explained that it was
from various of昀椀cial sources.
I was also asked how this information
was relevant to the FIEA, and I advised
that it all related to vehicle damage
and evolving causations engineers
need to adapt to.
There were no other topical
submissions from the other delegates.
INTEGRATION OF NEW
COUNTRIES
The Board discussed the integration
of new countries, including feedback
from recent cases. It stressed the need
to further formalise the membership
process to ensure transparency,
consistency, and fairness. [I am in
the process of providing the FIEA
with up-to-date information on IAEA
membership criteria and its activities
which may assist the FIEA in its
deliberations].
2026 SUBSCRIPTIONS
Delegates were asked for a list
of members of their respective
associations/institutes so that the
FIEA could invoice accordingly. I
subsequently submitted the list of
names from the IAEA website, and
explained that this was for 2025 and
that we would not know the exact
number until April, after the de-reg
letters were sent out. The FIEA
decided to send an invoice based on
2025 昀椀gures, which I vetoed and asked
them to reinvoice us, based upon the
subscriptions received to date. This
they have done, and has been passed
on for payment. I said we would make
a second payment after de-reg letters
go out.
FIEA MEMBERSHIP
The President advised that the FIEA
wished to consider spreading its
membership 昀椀eld to other (unspeci昀椀ed)
disciplines. I personally consider this to
be outside the remit of the FIEA and
could present serious complications
and consequences if pursued. I
would need to take guidance from
Council and will advise on any future
developments.
There was a short discussion on
the de昀椀nition of an ‘expert’. There
is a de昀椀nition in UK law, and I am
submitting a document to the FIEA
which explains the criteria.
SPONSORSHIP
Delegates were advised that the FIEA
is open to inviting sponsorship from
interested parties and asked delegates
make this known to any prospective
sponsors. A document of terms and
conditions was circulated and a request
asking for details of any nominees to
be passed on the FIEA.
OUTLOOK AND NEXT STEPS
The Board con昀椀rmed the continuation
of statutory and technical work, as well
as active preparation for upcoming
milestones, in particular the 2026
General Assembly.
The President thanked all Board
members for the quality of discussions
and their commitment to the FIEA
before the meeting closed.
JOURNAL
A message from Jacques TRASSOUDAINE, President of FIEA:
Dear FIEA Board Members, I hope you are doing as well as possible in these turbulent
international circumstances.
On behalf of the International Federation of Automotive Experts, I would like to send
you a message of support and solidarity in the face of the recent escalation of the
political and military con昀氀ict in the Middle East.
The military strikes have generated considerable tension in the Gulf region, and the
situation around the Strait of Hormuz, a strategic passage for oil and lique昀椀ed natural
gas, is particularly worrying.
Maritime traf昀椀c has been severely impacted, with several ships damaged and many
shipowners now preferring to avoid this route, which is putting pressure on the global
supply of hydrocarbons. This uncertainty has resulted in a surge in energy markets. The price of oil has already
climbed 13% in the 昀椀rst trading sessions on March 2, and European gas prices jumped by as much as 80% initially.
In the longer term, futures contracts on these markets are projected to rise by approximately 22% by 2027. More
broadly, the entire industry could suffer signi昀椀cant damage.
We are well aware that these developments have a direct impact on our sector, and particularly on our members
based in potentially exposed countries, such as Cyprus or Turkey, who could be directly affected by this turbulence.
At FIEA, we remain fully committed to supporting you during this complex period.
Our priority is to provide you with support and keep you regularly informed. Please be assured that we are closely
monitoring the evolving situation and will continue to work alongside you, whatever the circumstances.
Do not hesitate to contact us if you require any support or clari昀椀cation. Together, we will overcome these challenges
and ensure the resilience of the automotive sector.
With my full support and consideration.
Sincerely,
Jacques TRASSOUDAINE
President of FIEA
www.iaea-online.org/news/the-assessor | SPRING 2026 | THE ASSESSORS JOURNAL
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