Show me the current regulation in EASA that requires you to hold a current class rating????
You can renew your ME/IR without the class rating if needs be. It's not much extra to do the class so it might be worth it.
You can also revalidate your ME/IR in the sim if your ME/IR is valid, again nothing to do with the class rating.
The French may require you to hold a valid class (French licence) but many others don't.