8 July, 2026
The European Respiratory Society (ERS) has officially confirmed that its 2026 General Assembly will be held as a marquee in-person event during the highly anticipated ERS Congress 2026 in Barcelona, Spain. Scheduled for Tuesday, 8 September, from 14:00 to 15:30 CEST, the meeting will convene at the FIRA Barcelona in Room 3G. This pivotal gathering serves as the democratic heartbeat of the organization, offering members a direct platform to influence the trajectory of one of the world’s most influential respiratory medical bodies.
Main Facts: The 2026 General Assembly Overview
The ERS General Assembly is more than a procedural requirement; it is the primary governing forum where the Society’s strategic direction is debated and finalized. As the global landscape of respiratory medicine faces unprecedented challenges—ranging from the long-term sequelae of post-viral syndromes to the integration of AI-driven diagnostic tools—the 2026 assembly promises to be a critical junction for the Society.
Key Logistics:
- Date: Tuesday, 8 September 2026
- Time: 14:00 – 15:30 CEST
- Location: FIRA Barcelona, Room 3G
- Eligibility: Open to all members; voting rights are strictly reserved for active ERS members.
The agenda for the meeting, which is now available for member review, covers the fiscal health of the organization, proposed modifications to the institutional statutes, and the election of key leadership roles. By congregating in the vibrant intellectual hub of Barcelona, ERS aims to foster a transparent environment where the "voice of the member" translates into actionable institutional policy.
A Chronology of Governance: Evolution of the ERS
To understand the importance of the 2026 General Assembly, one must look at the recent evolution of the Society. Over the last decade, ERS has transitioned from a traditional academic society into a dynamic, multi-stakeholder organization that bridges the gap between basic research and clinical application.
The Foundation Years (Retrospective)
Historically, the General Assembly served as a quiet forum for budget approval and administrative housekeeping. However, the post-2020 era necessitated a more agile approach. The rise of digital health, the democratization of medical education, and the increasing need for global health advocacy saw the General Assembly transform into a rigorous legislative session.
Recent Milestones Leading to 2026
- 2023: Introduction of new membership tiers to include more allied health professionals, diversifying the voting base.
- 2024: Digitization of the voting process, allowing for more efficient review of by-law amendments.
- 2025: The "Strategic Alignment" initiative, which saw the Society prioritize sustainability in its congress operations and a renewed focus on environmental respiratory health.
- 2026: The current cycle marks the implementation of the new Constitution, a document designed to streamline decision-making in an increasingly complex global medical environment.
The 2026 assembly acts as the culmination of these structural shifts, where members will be asked to ratify the latest iteration of the ERS Constitution.
Supporting Data: Membership and Fiscal Responsibility
The health of the ERS is fundamentally linked to its membership base. As of mid-2026, the Society boasts a diverse international community of clinicians, scientists, and researchers. The General Assembly is the venue where the financial realities of supporting this community are laid bare.
The Financial Framework
The Society operates under a transparent financial model. The upcoming meeting will involve:
- Budget Review: A comprehensive look at the revenue streams, primarily derived from membership fees and the ERS Congress, versus expenditures on research grants, scholarships, and international advocacy.
- Membership Fee Adjustments: Part of the discussion will revolve around maintaining accessible pricing for lower-income regions while ensuring the Society remains adequately funded to support high-impact research.
- Account Approval: Transparency remains a pillar of the ERS mission. Members will review the audited accounts for the previous fiscal year, ensuring that every Euro is being leveraged to advance respiratory health.
Proposed Changes to By-Laws
The proposed changes to the by-laws, currently accessible via the ERS document portal, are not merely administrative. They include clauses regarding the digital expansion of the Society, how committees are formed, and the protocol for emergency decision-making. These documents represent a significant shift in how the Society will function in the late 2020s.
Official Responses and Strategic Vision
In anticipation of the assembly, the ERS Executive Committee has issued a call for active participation. The message from leadership is clear: the Society belongs to its members, and its efficacy is directly proportional to the engagement of its constituents.
"The General Assembly is the ultimate expression of our collaborative spirit," said a representative of the ERS leadership team. "Whether it is debating the future of our scientific guidelines or setting the standard for annual membership contributions, this meeting ensures that the Society’s mandate remains rooted in the needs of our members. We invite every member to join us in Barcelona, voice their queries, and help us refine our vision for the years ahead."
The leadership emphasizes that the assembly is not just for the senior fellows of the Society. Early-career researchers and those in the allied health professions are specifically encouraged to participate, as their perspectives are essential to ensuring that ERS remains a forward-looking, inclusive organization.
Implications: Why Your Participation Matters
The decisions made in Room 3G at the FIRA Barcelona on 8 September will have long-term implications for every member of the ERS.
1. Influencing Future Research Funding
By participating in the review of the accounts and the approval of the annual budget, members are essentially determining where the Society will focus its financial support. If the membership pushes for more emphasis on rare respiratory diseases or environmental lung health, the General Assembly is the first step in shifting the Society’s fiscal priorities.
2. Legal and Structural Integrity
The adoption of the new Constitution and the proposed by-law amendments will dictate the legal framework for the Society’s future. These documents govern everything from how members are elected to the Executive Committee to how the Society handles international partnerships. An active and informed membership ensures that these rules remain fair, modern, and representative.
3. Strengthening the Collective Voice
Respiratory medicine is increasingly at the center of global health policy. Whether the issue is air pollution, public health responses to pandemics, or the regulation of tobacco alternatives, the ERS needs a strong, unified mandate from its General Assembly to act as an effective advocate on the world stage. A high turnout at the assembly signals to external stakeholders—governments, the WHO, and industry—that the ERS is a robust, engaged, and united force.
4. Networking and Direct Access
Beyond the formal agenda, the assembly is a unique opportunity for members to engage directly with the Executive Committee. It provides a rare, informal space to ask questions about the Society’s direction and to propose new initiatives. For the individual member, this is the most direct path to influencing the organization’s roadmap.
Conclusion: A Call to Action
The ERS General Assembly 2026 is an invitation to take ownership of the Society. With the meeting agenda, the proposed by-law changes, and the new Constitution already available for review, members have ample time to prepare their questions and feedback.
The transition toward a more sustainable and technologically integrated medical landscape requires a strong, well-governed ERS. By attending the session at the FIRA Barcelona, members contribute to the continuity and the evolution of the Society.
Ensure your voice is heard.
- Review the meeting agenda.
- Study the proposed by-law changes.
- Examine the 2026 Constitution.
- Review the minutes from the previous assembly to ensure continuity in understanding.
The future of respiratory medicine is being written in Barcelona. Be part of the conversation on 8 September, 2026.
