general rule is that if you are about to undertake any typerating/IR training, you have to have valid ME/IR typerating.
Or at least IR(A)/ME(SPA), which might be done once per 2 year on the simulator - FNPTII. This would allow you to keep your IR-ME without any valid class/typerating.
Shoudl you need any further info, please contact me, I am EASA examiner - FE, CRE, IRE, FIE, TRE.