In this paper, the latest developments within the field of laser machining of carbon fiber rein-forced plastics (CFRP) are summarized. For the processing of large composite structures such as resin transfer molding parts, the combination of galvo scanners with robots or axis systems are of particular interest. For this purpose, both high brightness cw fiber lasers and pulsed systems are used. Within the repair chain for valuable CFRP parts, pulsed UV and NIR lasers are used for the precise removal of the composite layers in order to generate a defined scarfing of the laminate. For both applications, disintegration of the fiber matrix interconnection due to thermal impact has to be avoided. Thermoplastic composite structures are becoming more important for many industrial ap-plications. In contrast to thermoset systems, laser welding techniques are applicable for composites based on thermoplastic matrix materials. In this context, laser welding is not only limited to the joining of CFRP parts but can be used to extend the connection of various components which con-sist of unreinforced and glass fiber reinforced thermoplastics to CFRP components. Here laser transmission welding significantly contributes to the realization of flexible and reliable joining technologies.