The EWF General Assembly 2026, held in Lisbon on 19 and 20 October, brought the EWF community together for two days of strategic discussion, exchange and alignment around key priorities shaping the Federation and the wider welding, joining and related technologies ecosystem.

One of the central topics was the transition towards digital diplomas, together with EWF’s collaboration with European initiatives linked to skills and labour mobility. As qualification systems continue to evolve, issues such as portability, transparency and the recognition of professional competences across borders are becoming increasingly important. Recent EWF dialogue at European level has reflected this direction, addressing areas including skills portability, recognition of qualifications, worker mobility and digital certificates.

The future of the EWF Research and Innovation Council was another key point on the agenda. Members discussed its restructuring, future role and organisation, and agreed on actions to support the Council’s development and strengthen its contribution to EWF’s research and innovation activities.

The global shortage of welders was also given particular attention. During a networking activity, EWF and its members explored possible collaborative actions to respond to this shared challenge, while discussing national difficulties related to the implementation of the alternative route and the personnel certification scheme. The session created space to compare different experiences across the network and identify areas where closer cooperation could help address common barriers.

Alongside these strategic discussions, members were updated on work taking place across different areas of EWF. The Communication & Marketing presentation reviewed activities carried out throughout 2026 in support of qualification and certification systems, European projects, technical knowledge dissemination and engagement with industry, education and research. It also highlighted areas that are expected to remain increasingly relevant, including AI, immersive learning, digital certification and skills development.

EWF’s portfolio of European collaborative projects was also presented, covering fields such as additive manufacturing, artificial intelligence, remanufacturing, digitalisation, sustainability, inspection, vocational education and future skills. One of the examples presented was INSPIRE, which is developing new training and upskilling solutions for hydrogen pipeline welding inspection through hydrogen-specific technical content, modular training and Augmented Reality-supported learning.

The timing of the General Assembly also created a natural connection with Professionals of the Future III, which took place on 20 October at the same venue in Lisbon. While the Assembly focused on EWF’s internal priorities and collaboration across its network, POTF III opened some of these broader themes, including skills, digitalisation, AI and human-centred industrial transformation, to a wider discussion around the changing needs of industry.

Across the two days, the General Assembly combined strategic decisions, organisational updates and collaborative discussion, providing members with an opportunity not only to review ongoing work, but also to look ahead at how EWF can continue responding to changes in qualifications, technology and workforce needs.

EWF would like to thank all members, participants and contributors who joined us in Lisbon and helped make the 2026 General Assembly a valuable moment of exchange, collaboration and shared reflection across the network.