8 July, 2026
The European Respiratory Society (ERS) has officially confirmed that its 2026 General Assembly will convene as an in-person summit, scheduled to take place during the highly anticipated ERS Congress in Barcelona, Spain. As the primary governing body of the Society, this meeting serves as the cornerstone of member engagement, strategic alignment, and administrative transparency.
Taking place on Tuesday, 8 September 2026, from 14:00 to 15:30 CEST in Room 3G at the FIRA Barcelona, the assembly provides a critical platform for the international respiratory community to reflect on a year of transformative progress and to establish the operational roadmap for the future.
I. Main Facts: The Agenda for Change
The General Assembly is not merely a formality; it is the democratic heart of the ERS. It functions as the ultimate authority on the Society’s governance, with the power to adapt statutes, finalize membership fee structures, and provide direct mandates to the Executive Committee.
For the 2026 session, the ERS leadership has outlined a comprehensive agenda aimed at streamlining operations and ensuring that the Society’s constitutional framework remains robust in an increasingly digital and globalized medical landscape. Key objectives for this year’s assembly include:
- Review of Annual Performance: A detailed retrospective of the Society’s activities, research initiatives, and advocacy efforts conducted over the past 12 months.
- Constitutional Reform: The presentation of a proposed new ERS Constitution for 2026, designed to modernize the Society’s foundational structure.
- By-law Amendments: A rigorous review of proposed changes to the by-laws to ensure alignment with current international standards for professional medical associations.
- Financial Oversight: A thorough review and formal approval of the Society’s accounts, ensuring fiscal transparency and long-term sustainability.
- Member Dialogue: A dedicated window for an open Q&A, allowing members to challenge, suggest, and refine the strategic direction of the organization.
Participation is restricted to active ERS members, who will hold the exclusive right to vote on the presented motions. This restriction underscores the Society’s commitment to ensuring that governance is steered by those who are actively invested in the organization’s mission.
II. Chronology: A Year of Strategic Evolution
To understand the significance of the 2026 General Assembly, one must look at the timeline of events leading up to this September gathering. The ERS has undergone a period of intense organizational development, responding to the shifting needs of respiratory clinicians, researchers, and allied health professionals.
The Preparatory Phase (January – May 2026)
Following the close of the 2025 fiscal year, the ERS Executive Committee began a comprehensive audit of existing policies. Throughout the first quarter, working groups focused on identifying gaps in the current by-laws, particularly regarding digital participation and the evolving definitions of "active membership" in a post-pandemic context.
The Proposal Development (June 2026)
In June, the ERS released the draft documents for the 2026 Constitution and the proposed by-law amendments. By providing these documents well in advance—available via the ERS digital repository—the leadership ensured that members have sufficient time to deliberate on the proposed changes before they reach the floor in Barcelona.
The Lead-up to Congress (July – August 2026)
With the formal announcement on 8 July, the countdown to the Barcelona Congress has accelerated. During these two months, the Society has engaged in a series of digital briefings, allowing members to familiarize themselves with the financial reports and the rationale behind the proposed constitutional shifts.
The Assembly (8 September 2026)
The event in Room 3G at FIRA Barcelona represents the culmination of this year-long cycle. Following the assembly, the minutes will be finalized, and the approved changes will take effect, setting the stage for the Society’s operations through 2027.
III. Supporting Data: Transparency and Governance
The ERS has made an unprecedented commitment to documentation for this year’s assembly. Understanding that informed voting is essential for a healthy society, the leadership has made all critical documents accessible through their secure portal.
Key Documentation Overview
- Meeting Agenda: A detailed breakdown of the 90-minute session, ensuring the meeting remains focused and efficient.
- Proposed by-law Amendments: A document highlighting the specific articles slated for revision, aimed at increasing the flexibility of the Executive Committee while maintaining member protections.
- The 2026 Constitution: A complete redraft of the governing document. The proposed constitution seeks to integrate more inclusive language and update the voting procedures to reflect modern, secure, electronic balloting practices.
- Historical Minutes: By publishing the minutes from the 2025 assembly alongside the 2026 materials, the ERS provides a clear audit trail of past promises versus present outcomes.
These documents are available for download via the provided ERS Resource Links.
IV. Official Responses: The Leadership Perspective
The decision to hold the assembly in person in Barcelona is a strategic choice, reflecting the Society’s desire to return to the high-engagement model that characterized ERS events prior to the global health crises of the early 2020s.
"The General Assembly is the heartbeat of our Society," stated a spokesperson for the ERS Executive Committee. "While digital tools have allowed us to maintain continuity, there is no substitute for the nuance, the intensity, and the direct accountability that comes from an in-person forum. When our members sit in that room in Barcelona, they are not just observing; they are directly shaping the future of respiratory medicine in Europe and beyond."
The leadership has emphasized that the proposed constitutional changes are not merely administrative—they are designed to empower the next generation of researchers. By lowering barriers to entry and clarifying the pathways to leadership roles within the Society, the ERS aims to foster a more diverse and globally representative governing body.
V. Implications: What This Means for the Membership
The implications of the 2026 General Assembly are far-reaching. For the individual member, the stakes are tangible.
Voting Power and Individual Impact
The primary implication for active members is the power to influence the membership fee structure. With inflation and economic shifts impacting global medical associations, the debate over how the Society funds its research grants and educational programs will be a central point of contention. Those who attend the meeting will have a direct hand in determining the financial sustainability of the projects that impact their daily professional lives.
Policy and Professional Standards
The revisions to the by-laws and the new Constitution have long-term consequences for the Society’s professional standards. These changes will dictate the eligibility criteria for future ERS grants, the standards for published research in the Society’s journals, and the requirements for clinical accreditation. By participating, members are effectively voting on the standards of excellence that will govern their field for the coming years.
A Stronger Collective Voice
The assembly serves as a barometer for the health of the community. In an era where healthcare systems are facing unprecedented strain, the ERS is looking to solidify its position as a leading advocacy voice. A high turnout in Barcelona will send a signal to European policymakers that the respiratory community is unified, organized, and prepared to demand the resources necessary to tackle the rising burden of respiratory diseases.
Conclusion: A Call to Action
As the date approaches, the ERS continues to encourage all eligible members to review the documentation, prepare their questions, and plan their attendance at the FIRA Barcelona. The 8 September meeting is more than a gathering of professionals; it is a vital exercise in democratic governance.
Whether you are a seasoned researcher, a clinician on the front lines, or an emerging scholar in the field of respiratory medicine, your voice matters. The decisions made in Room 3G will ripple through the industry, impacting policy, research funding, and professional development opportunities for years to come.
Ensure your membership is active, review the provided links, and join your colleagues in Barcelona to play an active role in the future of the European Respiratory Society. The future of the organization is in your hands—make sure you are there to cast your vote.
Meeting Details at a Glance:
- Event: ERS General Assembly 2026
- Date: Tuesday, 8 September 2026
- Time: 14:00 – 15:30 CEST
- Location: Room 3G, FIRA Barcelona, Spain
- Requirement: Active ERS Membership (verified upon entry)
