8 July, 2026
The European Respiratory Society (ERS) has officially confirmed that its 2026 General Assembly will be held as a centerpiece event during the ERS Congress in Barcelona, Spain. Scheduled for Tuesday, 8 September, from 14:00 to 15:30 CEST, the meeting will convene at the FIRA Barcelona, Room 3G. This pivotal gathering marks a return to full-scale in-person governance, offering members a unique platform to steer the trajectory of one of the world’s most influential respiratory health organizations.
Main Facts: A Call to Governance
The General Assembly serves as the supreme governing body of the ERS. It is the forum where the society’s democratic principles are put into practice, allowing active members to participate directly in the oversight and strategic planning of the organization.
Key administrative responsibilities handled during this session include:
- Statutory Oversight: Reviewing and adopting modifications to the society’s by-laws and constitutional framework.
- Financial Stewardship: Approving annual accounts and setting the membership fee structure for the coming fiscal year.
- Strategic Direction: Providing a forum for members to submit proposals directly to the Executive Committee, ensuring that leadership remains aligned with the needs of the global respiratory research and clinical community.
For members, this is not merely a formality; it is the primary mechanism through which they exercise their right to influence the society’s future. The ERS leadership has emphasized that attendance is critical for those wishing to participate in the legislative life of the Society.
Chronology: The Road to Barcelona
The lead-up to the 2026 General Assembly has been characterized by a period of robust internal evaluation and transparency. Over the past twelve months, the ERS has undergone a significant review of its organizational structure to better serve its growing international membership.
- Q3 2025: The ERS Executive Committee began drafting a revised Constitution to reflect advancements in digital collaboration and global research standards.
- Q1 2026: Initial feedback rounds were conducted via member surveys, gauging interest in specific policy changes, particularly regarding membership tiers and global outreach.
- June 2026: Finalization of the proposed constitutional changes and the publication of the 2026 agenda to allow members sufficient time to review documentation before the vote.
- 8 July 2026 (Current Status): Official notification and opening of the digital repository containing the agenda, by-law amendments, and draft constitution.
- 8 September 2026 (Upcoming): The assembly convenes at FIRA Barcelona.
Supporting Data and Documentation
Transparency is the bedrock of the ERS’s governance model. In preparation for the assembly, the society has released a comprehensive suite of documentation accessible to all members. These documents provide the necessary context for the votes that will take place in September.
Reviewing the Legal Framework
Members are encouraged to engage with the following resources:
- The Meeting Agenda: Outlines the procedural flow of the assembly, including time allocations for open floor discussions.
- Proposed By-law Changes: This document details the technical adjustments to how the society operates on a day-to-day basis, including procedural changes for committee elections.
- The 2026 Constitution: A foundational document that establishes the long-term vision for the ERS. It is the most critical item on the agenda, as it defines the scope of the society’s authority for the next decade.
- Minutes from Previous Sessions: By reviewing the minutes from previous assemblies, members can understand the historical context of current proposals and ensure continuity in decision-making.
These files are available via the ERS document repository, and members are urged to review them thoroughly to ensure informed participation.
Official Perspectives: The Role of the Member
In statements released alongside the announcement, ERS leadership highlighted that the society’s strength is derived entirely from its membership base. By encouraging members to "have their say," the leadership is signaling a move toward a more inclusive, member-led governance style.
"The General Assembly is the heartbeat of our society," noted an ERS spokesperson. "While our scientific congresses provide the venue for sharing clinical breakthroughs, the General Assembly provides the venue for sharing our future. Every voice matters—whether you are a clinician, a researcher, or an early-career professional. The decisions made on September 8th will dictate how we advocate for patients, how we fund research, and how we represent the respiratory community on the global stage."
The ERS Executive Committee has made it clear that while proposals are drafted by the leadership, they are subject to the will of the membership. This check-and-balance system ensures that the society does not drift from its primary mission: the alleviation of suffering caused by respiratory disease through education, research, and advocacy.
Implications: Why Your Attendance Matters
The implications of the 2026 General Assembly extend far beyond the walls of Room 3G at FIRA Barcelona.
1. Shaping Clinical Standards
By influencing the society’s priorities, members indirectly shape the future of clinical guidelines. As the ERS pivots toward more digital-first educational models, the decisions made in this assembly regarding funding and resource allocation will determine which areas of respiratory medicine receive priority attention in the coming years.
2. Financial Sustainability
The vote on membership fees is a critical economic signal. As global inflation and the cost of scientific publishing fluctuate, the assembly must balance the need for accessible membership with the requirement for robust funding to support fellowships, research grants, and legislative lobbying efforts.
3. Strengthening the Global Network
The ERS is a global entity, yet it remains rooted in its European identity. The proposed constitutional changes reflect a desire to better integrate international partners. How the assembly votes on these changes will determine the future of international collaborations and the global reach of ERS-led initiatives.
4. Direct Democracy in Action
In an era where many professional societies are shifting to top-down administrative models, the ERS remains committed to its democratic roots. The requirement that only active members may vote serves as a safeguard, ensuring that those who have a vested, ongoing interest in the society’s health are the ones steering the ship.
Practical Information for Attendees
To ensure a smooth and productive experience, the ERS has provided the following guidance for those planning to attend:
- Eligibility: Only active, paid-up ERS members are eligible to cast votes. Attendees are advised to verify their membership status via the ERS member portal prior to arrival.
- Location: FIRA Barcelona, Room 3G. Attendees are advised to arrive at least 15 minutes early to facilitate the check-in process and ensure a quorum is reached promptly at 14:00.
- Documentation: While digital versions of the documents are available, members are encouraged to bring any personal notes or specific questions they wish to address during the open forum.
- Language: The proceedings will be conducted in English, reflecting the international nature of the society.
Conclusion: A Vision for the Future
The ERS General Assembly 2026 is more than just a meeting; it is a manifestation of the society’s core values: collaboration, transparency, and scientific rigor. As the world faces emerging challenges in respiratory health—ranging from the long-term impacts of air pollution to the persistent threat of respiratory pandemics—the role of a cohesive, well-governed society has never been more vital.
By gathering in Barcelona, ERS members are reaffirming their commitment to these values. The assembly provides a rare opportunity to step back from the laboratory bench or the clinical ward to consider the "bigger picture" of the profession. Whether you are a long-standing member or a recent addition to the society, your presence is requested. The future of the ERS is not a fixed outcome; it is a collaborative project, and on 8 September, that project takes a significant step forward.
For those unable to attend in person, the society recommends keeping a close watch on the official ERS communications channel, as summaries and key outcomes will be disseminated following the conclusion of the congress. However, for those who can make the trip to Barcelona, the experience of direct participation remains an unparalleled opportunity to influence the trajectory of respiratory science for years to come.
