EWF General Assembly 2025 Kicks Off in Lisbon – Advancing Digital Transformation and Innovation for the Welding Community

Lisbon, 20 October 2025 – The European Federation for Welding, Joining and Cutting (EWF) opened its 67th General Assembly today at the Eurostars Hotel in Lisbon, uniting representatives from across Europe — and beyond — to shape the future of welding, adhesives, laser processing, and additive manufacturing.

The two-day hybrid event focuses not only on organisational matters but on actions that will directly impact professionals, companies, and training bodies across the global joining community.

EWF President Stefano Morra inaugurated the Assembly by highlighting the Federation’s commitment to innovation, collaboration, and harmonised qualification systems that empower the manufacturing sector to thrive in a rapidly digitalising world.

During the strategic sessions, Executive Director Eurico Assunção presented several new initiatives designed to strengthen the community and expand EWF’s digital footprint, including:

• The EWF Market Place, connecting qualified professionals and companies worldwide;
• The rollout of digital diplomas and certificates, enabling secure, verifiable, and portable credentials;
• New digital tools and platforms to support standardisation, traceability, and compliance across industries;
• Expanded work in laser welding, adhesive bonding, and additive manufacturing, promoting cross-sector innovation and upskilling opportunities.

Technical presentations showcased advances in manual laser welding, progress on standardisation activities, and updates from the EWF Research and Innovation Council. The Joint Task Force on the Revision of Access Conditions also reaffirmed EWF’s dedication to ensuring transparent, harmonised, and future-ready qualification systems across Europe and internationally.

Tomorrow’s sessions (21 October) will feature the “Professionals of the Future” workshop — an interactive forum focused on sustainability, digital transformation, and the evolving skillsets needed for the next generation of welding and joining professionals.