Key Outcomes of the EFS General Assembly in Lisbon

The General Assembly addressed a broad range of institutional and organizational matters concerning the development of EFS. Among the main outcomes were the approval of the revised EFS Statutes, the approval of new membership fees for 2027–2028, the adoption of a policy concerning EFS support for board members participating in relevant international events, and the approval of the financial report.

The Assembly also reviewed reports from the various EFS committees, covering scientific activities, accreditation, ethics, membership, sexual justice, professional recognition, social media, and early-career and educational initiatives.

Approval of the Revised EFS Statutes

One of the key institutional decisions was the unanimous approval of the revised EFS Statutes, presented as the fifth version since their original adoption. The revision was submitted for adoption in accordance with the provisions of the previous Statutes and was unanimously approved by the General Assembly.

The Secretary General’s report also included updates concerning the communication plan, a journal proposal, new membership fees for 2027–2028, and a travel document proposal concerning EFS support for board members participating in events of significance to the Federation. All these points were unanimously approved.

Filippo Maria Nimbi Appointed President-Elect

The General Assembly unanimously approved the proposal of the EFS Executive Committee to appoint Filippo Maria Nimbi as President-Elect for the 2028–2032 term.

In accordance with Article 15 of the EFS Statutes, the President-Elect is appointed by the Executive Committee and approved by the General Assembly following the required period of service on the Committee.

Reports from the EFS Committees

The General Assembly received reports from several EFS committees, highlighting ongoing initiatives across different areas of sexology.

Scientific Committee and EFS Congress

The Scientific Committee reported on the 18th EFS Congress, describing the Lisbon event as lively and well attended. The Congress recorded 447 registrations from participants representing 39 countries, including countries outside Europe such as the United States, South Africa, and Australia.

The scientific programme included 64 sessions, with 115 oral presentations, 107 e-posters, 44 oral flash presentations, 39 lectures, 52 symposia, and 8 demonstration sessions.

Accreditation, Ethics and Membership

The Accreditation Committee is working on a clearer overview of the legal, regulatory, and professional accreditation systems relevant to sexologists and sexology-related professions across Europe. The work also includes an internal reflection on the professional identity of the sexologist and coordination with other international sexology organizations.

The Ethical Code Committee reported on the development of the Lisbon Code of Conduct, created to help ensure a safe environment at EFS-related events. The initiative includes guidelines concerning breaches of the code and an anonymous independent process for managing complaints.

The Membership Committee reported the successful review and acceptance of 27 new individual applications and 5 new society applications. The committee also began discussions aimed at increasing the appeal of EFS membership to both individuals and societies.

Sexual Justice, Gold Medals and Social Media

The Sexual Justice Committee presented the results of a pilot study involving 14 European professionals. The study identified LGBTQIA+ rights and gender-affirming care, comprehensive sexuality education, and sexual and gender-based violence among the most urgent sexual justice issues identified by participants.

The Gold Medals Committee reported on the 2026 awards, which were presented to Dr. Pedro Nobre and Dr. Elsa Almas in recognition of their contributions to areas including sexology, sexual health, sexual policy, sexual medicine, and sexual research.

The Social Media Committee also reported on initiatives developed with Stylo Project to strengthen EFS visibility and engagement, including content introducing Board members and their research interests.

Early Career and Education Initiatives

The Early Career Committee reported significant developments in initiatives dedicated to professionals at the beginning of their careers. These include a dedicated WhatsApp group, webinars, specific content, and a dedicated panel at the 2026 Congress.

The committee is also developing a separate organizational structure that will subsequently join EFS as a formal member, with the aim of providing its members with full voting and election rights. Future activities will include professional content, educational initiatives, and webinars, as well as continued collaboration with organizations such as EPATH.

EFS 2028 Congress: Valletta Receives the Most Votes

The General Assembly also considered three bids for the venue of the 2028 EFS Congress: Antwerp in Belgium, Kristiansand in Norway, and Valletta in Malta.

Following the presentation and voting process, Valletta, Malta, received the most votes. The Executive Committee accepted the recommendation of the General Assembly and will take it into account when making the final decision, following a feasibility study carried out with the Professional Congress Organizer (PCO).

Looking Ahead for the European Federation of Sexology

The outcomes of the Lisbon General Assembly mark an important step in the continued development of the European Federation of Sexology. The approval of the revised Statutes, the election of the new Executive Committee, the appointment of the President-Elect, and the work of the EFS committees provide a framework for the Federation’s activities in the coming years.

The General Assembly also highlighted the importance of international collaboration, professional development, scientific exchange, sexual justice, and greater visibility for EFS across Europe and beyond.