The online holding of meetings of cooperative governing bodies under Portuguese law
Abstract
The digitalization of the functioning of cooperative bodies may contribute to strengthening their democratic character and achieving more efficient management, provided that equitable access, the legal validity of electronically executed acts, and the protection of the fundamental rights of members —particularly their privacy— are ensured. Although the Portuguese Cooperative Code does not contain specific provisions regarding the telematic operation of social bodies, it allows for the supplementary application of the corporate regime established in the Commercial Companies Code for joint-stock companies, insofar as cooperative principles are not disregarded. This framework enables cooperatives to convene and hold virtual meetings, as well as to use electronic means for participation and the exercise of voting rights, provided that guarantees of authenticity, security, intelligibility, and fairness are observed. Furthermore, cooperatives are responsible for promoting the digital inclusion of all members, with the possibility of allocating cooperative education and training funds for this purpose.
Received: 4 June 2025
Accepted: 29 August 2025
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