European Cycling Industries (ECI) held its Cycling Industry Summit 2026 on September 30 at Residence Palace in Brussels, bringing together industry leaders, EU officials and policymakers to discuss the future of Europe’s cycling sector.

Key topics included European manufacturing competitiveness, energy resilience, market compliance and workforce development. The session “What ‘Made in Europe’ Means for the Cycling Industry” examined how Europe can strengthen its bicycle manufacturing base and create better conditions for investment and industrial growth.

The summit also addressed cycling’s role in Europe’s transport and energy transition, including active mobility investment, bike leasing and infrastructure development. European Commissioner Wopke Hoekstra joined ECI CEO Paul Walsh for a high-level discussion on climate, clean growth and the contribution of cycling to Europe’s transition.

Another major focus was market integrity, particularly the challenge posed by non-compliant products entering the European market. ECI also launched its Skills Alliance, aimed at strengthening technical expertise and workforce development across the cycling industry.

A highlight of this year’s event was the inaugural ECI Bike Demo Day, held alongside the summit. A dedicated outdoor test area featured 12 innovative European bicycles, giving policymakers and industry representatives the opportunity to experience products firsthand.

MEP François Kalfon officially opened the Demo Day and joined the test rides, while Hoekstra also participated following his summit appearance.

The 2026 summit reflected a broader shift in Europe’s cycling agenda, with increasing emphasis on industrial competitiveness, energy security, fair market conditions and skills, alongside mobility and decarbonisation.