8 July, 2026
The European Respiratory Society (ERS) has officially confirmed that its 2026 General Assembly will convene as an in-person gathering this coming September. Scheduled to take place during the highly anticipated ERS Congress in Barcelona, Spain, the event represents the cornerstone of the Society’s democratic governance, offering members a pivotal opportunity to influence the strategic trajectory of one of the world’s most influential medical organizations.
As the respiratory community faces unprecedented challenges—from the evolving landscape of post-pandemic lung health to the integration of artificial intelligence in diagnostics—the General Assembly serves as the primary forum for transparency, accountability, and collective vision.
Main Facts: The 2026 General Assembly Logistics
The General Assembly is set to be held on Tuesday, 8 September 2026, from 14:00 to 15:30 CEST. The venue for this landmark session is Room 3G at the FIRA Barcelona, the premier convention center hosting the ERS Congress.
Core Objectives of the Assembly:
- Strategic Review: A comprehensive retrospective of the Society’s achievements, research outputs, and advocacy milestones over the preceding 12 months.
- Governance and Accountability: A formal review and approval process for the Society’s financial accounts.
- Legislative Updates: Deliberation on potential amendments to the ERS statutes and a thorough review of the proposed 2026 Constitution.
- Policy Formulation: A democratic platform for active members to propose changes, voice concerns, and vote on motions that will guide the Executive Committee in the coming fiscal year.
It is important to note that while the meeting is open to all members for discussion, voting rights are strictly reserved for active ERS members. Attendees are encouraged to review the provided documentation, including the meeting agenda and proposed by-law amendments, well in advance of the session.
Chronology: A Year of Transformation and Growth
The road to the 2026 General Assembly has been marked by a series of strategic pivots. Following the 2025 Assembly, the ERS Executive Committee initiated a "Decade of Respiratory Health" roadmap, which has dictated much of the work conducted over the last 12 months.
The 2025–2026 Timeline:
- September 2025: The previous Assembly concluded with a mandate to modernize the Society’s constitution and increase transparency regarding membership fees.
- January 2026: The Executive Committee formed a specialized task force to oversee the integration of new digital health standards into the Society’s bylaws.
- April 2026: ERS launched its "Member Voice" initiative, a series of regional virtual roundtables designed to gather preliminary feedback ahead of the Barcelona meeting.
- June 2026: Official release of the proposed 2026 Constitution and the final audit reports for the 2025 fiscal year.
- July 2026: Formal notification sent to the global membership, inviting them to the Barcelona session and providing access to the necessary preparatory documents.
Supporting Data: The Pillars of ERS Governance
The ERS operates under a complex set of regulations that ensure the Society remains both scientifically rigorous and democratically sound. The upcoming Assembly will focus on three key documents that define these operations:
1. The Financial Audit
The ERS has maintained a healthy financial surplus, largely due to successful digital education programs and record-breaking attendance at the 2025 Congress. The 2026 accounts will be presented for approval, with a detailed breakdown of how funds were allocated toward research grants, educational bursaries, and clinical advocacy.
2. The 2026 Constitution
The proposed constitution is the result of eighteen months of legal and internal review. It aims to clarify the roles of the various councils and committees, ensuring that power is decentralized and that younger members have a clearer pathway into leadership positions.
3. By-law Amendments
These amendments are designed to reflect the realities of modern medical practice. Key proposals include:
- Adjustments to Membership Fees: Reflecting global economic fluctuations while ensuring that low-income country members remain supported.
- Digital Governance: Formally integrating virtual voting and hybrid meeting protocols into the legal framework to ensure future meetings are resilient against travel disruptions.
Official Responses: Voices from the Executive Committee
In a statement released alongside the announcement, the current ERS President highlighted the importance of the Barcelona meeting. "The General Assembly is not merely a formality; it is the heartbeat of our Society," they noted. "We have spent the last year listening to our members through digital forums, and now we move to the physical floor of the FIRA Barcelona to translate those conversations into concrete policy."
Key Themes from Leadership:
- Inclusivity: The leadership team emphasized that the 2026 assembly is specifically designed to encourage participation from early-career respiratory professionals.
- Sustainability: Beyond the clinical work, the ERS is looking at the carbon footprint of its own operations. Part of the agenda includes a vote on a new "Green Congress" policy.
- Clinical Autonomy: The Society remains committed to protecting the independence of respiratory physicians in their decision-making processes, a theme that will be central to the constitutional debate.
Implications: What This Means for the Future of Respiratory Medicine
The outcomes of the 2026 General Assembly will have a profound ripple effect across the global healthcare landscape. As the ERS sets its agenda, it effectively influences the clinical guidelines and research priorities that will be adopted by hospitals and clinics worldwide.
1. Influence on Clinical Practice
By reviewing the latest research and approving new standards of care, the Assembly acts as a catalyst for innovation. If the proposed constitutional changes are adopted, the Society will be able to react more quickly to public health crises, such as the emergence of new respiratory pathogens or shifts in environmental air quality regulations.
2. Empowering the Membership
For the individual member, the General Assembly is a direct line to the decision-makers. The ability to vote on membership fees, elect committee members, and shape the Society’s advocacy stance means that the ERS remains a member-led organization, rather than a top-down bureaucracy.
3. A Strategic Shift Toward Digital Equity
The proposed by-laws show a clear commitment to digital equity. By formalizing the role of virtual participation in the governance process, the ERS is ensuring that members who are unable to travel to Barcelona due to clinical commitments or financial barriers can still play a role in the future of the organization.
How to Participate: A Guide for Members
To ensure a productive meeting in Barcelona, the ERS encourages all members to perform their due diligence prior to the session.
Pre-Meeting Preparation Checklist:
- Verify Membership Status: Ensure that your 2026 membership dues are paid in full to guarantee your right to vote.
- Access the Documentation:
- Review the Meeting Agenda to understand the order of business.
- Read the Proposed By-laws to identify areas you wish to debate.
- Examine the 2026 Constitution for long-term structural changes.
- Review the 2025/2026 Minutes to maintain continuity in your understanding of the Society’s trajectory.
- Prepare Your Queries: Whether it is a question about a specific budget line or a concern about the Society’s clinical advocacy, preparing your remarks in advance will ensure that your voice is heard during the floor sessions.
The Venue
FIRA Barcelona is world-renowned for its accessibility and modern facilities. Room 3G has been selected for its capacity to hold a large, engaged audience, and technical support will be available to facilitate the voting process.
Conclusion: A Call to Action
The 2026 ERS General Assembly stands as a testament to the resilience and collaborative spirit of the respiratory medicine community. As the Society enters this next phase, the involvement of its members is more critical than ever.
By attending the meeting in Barcelona, members are not just observing the progress of their Society; they are actively participating in the creation of its future. Whether through the approval of the new Constitution or the simple act of casting a vote on the next year’s priorities, every active member has the power to shape the direction of the ERS.
We look forward to welcoming you to the FIRA Barcelona on 8 September. Together, we will continue to advance the field of respiratory medicine, ensuring that the ERS remains a robust, transparent, and forward-thinking home for respiratory professionals worldwide.
