On December 9th, GRACE - Empresas Responsáveis gathered its Members for a General Meeting, a milestone in the presentation and approval of the Action Plan and Budget for 2025.

The event was well attended by our Members, as well as some guests, and reinforced our collective commitment to promoting social responsibility and sustainability in the business context.

Before the start of the General Assembly, Ricardo Parreira, CEO of PHC Software, our host in Lisbon, welcomed everyone to the event, followed by a brief presentation of his company, whose purpose is "Better Management for Happier People".

At this Assembly, we were privileged to have the presence of Paulo Portas, Vice-President of CCIPwho, in conversation with Isabel Barros, President of GRACE, representing SONAE, SGPSAt the end of the event, the participants discussed how geopolitics and sustainability impact company management, exploring challenges and opportunities.

In his speech, Paulo Portas addressed the impacts of geopolitical changes and global energy policy on the sustainability and energy transition scenario. He also pointed out that the war in Ukraine and the sanctions against Russia have highlighted the European Union's dependence on third countries for energy, creating challenges but also opportunities for companies that adapt to the new dynamics. With his characteristic assertiveness and propriety, he analyzed the instability of the US in the Paris Agreement, China's hybrid policy, India's reluctance to adopt more expensive energies, and Russia's lack of cooperation, highlighting the global obstacles to the energy transition.

In Europe, Paulo Portas highlighted the challenges of the energy transition, especially in Germany, which is facing partial deindustrialization in the automotive sector. He emphasized the need to balance the regulatory agenda with the economic one, foreseeing a more pragmatic approach from the next German government. In addition, he stressed the importance of technological innovation in achieving climate goals, warning that excessive regulation could delay this progress, and advocating a review of the Green Deal timetables due to the recent crises.

As for the future of energy, Paulo Portas pointed to the fundamental role of renewable energies and nuclear energy, mentioning the inclusion of nuclear in the European taxonomy and the potential of small nuclear reactors. He mentioned hydrogen as a promising source, although it still depends on technological advances. And finally, of course, he commented on COP 29, highlighting the progress made in harmonizing carbon markets and financing agreements.

Nuno Pinto Magalhães, Chairman of the General Meeting, representing Sociedade Central de CervejasMaria João Simões Almeida (Executive Director) and Teresa Themudo led the meeting, where the Action Plan and Budget for 2025 were presented, as well as reviewing the year 2024 and what has brought us to this point. Maria João Simões de Almeida (Executive Director) and Teresa Themudo presented the strategic priorities for 2025, with an emphasis on collaborative projects that influence discussions and public policies and that promote and support the creation of positive impacts on people, the community and the planet, through GRACE's various areas of activity: Collaboration and Influence, Knowledge and Transformation, Responsible Citizenship and Marketing and Communication João Bruno da Costa, GRACE's Treasurer representing Trivalor, together with Maria João Simões de Almeida, presented the budget proposal for 2025, the two voting points having been unanimously approved by the 240 Members present at PHC Software, at UPTEC in Porto, and in online format.

It was a morning full of special moments, in which there was also an opportunity to remember that GRACE will celebrate its 25th anniversary on February 25, 2025, and in which Isabel Barros thanked the founding President of GRACE - João Sá Nogueira - for his presence. At the end of the General Assembly, the Members who will be celebrating 10 and 20 years as GRACE members in 2024 were honored.

Finally, Isabel Barros, reafirma missão do GRACE de ser um catalisador de boas práticas empresariais e que tal só é possível graças ao compromisso dos membros da Direção, dos Órgãos Sociais e da equipa, responsável pela operacionalização de toda a atividade da Associação. E, claro, termina agradecendo aos Associados a sua presença e envolvimento, reiterando que continuamos a contar com todos em 2025.

Our thanks to PHC Software and UPTEC for hosting this meeting.