NOVELTY - An electrochemically operable actuator (101), comprises a support structure; a flexible membrane sealed against the support structure to form a compartment (108); and electrochemical means adapted to generate hydrogen or oxygen gas and to deliver the gas to the inside of the compartment. The electrochemical means comprises an ion conducting membrane having an electrode on its opposing sides, and terminal means for connecting a voltage source to enable applying a potential across the electrodes.    USE - Used as electrochemically operable actuator (claimed).    ADVANTAGE - The actuators and/or entire valves are manufactured in a continuous production line, i.e. without the need to assemble discrete components. The manufacturing method enables the integration of the actuator and/or valve in a device or system already during manufacturing, i.e. the valves should be produced in the same manufacturing operation as the entire device or system in which they are integrated, preferably in a continuous production line. The manufacturing method is a simplified production method of actuators and/or valves, and the production is more cost effective. The actuator can be made by using only foil components and adhesives. This enables cost efficient mass production by using techniques such as rotary die cutting.    DETAILED DESCRIPTION - INDEPENDENT CLAIMS are:    (1) a valve mechanism comprising a valve stem; a valve head; and a spring arranged to force the valve from a first position to a second position, where the actuator is arranged such that the membrane is located adjacent to the valve head, where the actuator when actuated will force the valve from the first position to the second position;    (2) a method of actuating a valve using an actuator; and    (3) a fuel cell assembly comprising a valve mechanism.    DESCRIPTION OF DRAWING(S) - The drawing shows a schematic view of a valve mechanism integrated in a fuel cell assembly.    Fuel cell assembly (100)    Electrochemically operable actuator (101)    Silicone membrane (102)    Inlet (104)    Outlet (106)    Compartment (108)