Search

Lithuanian Prime Minister Gintautas Paluckas awarded FEPS ‘Progressive Person of the Year’

FEPS Progressive Person of the Year 2024-2025
Political Europe
All Topics
Authors
Network
Gintautas PALUCKAS
Secretary General
László ANDOR
Search author

29/01/2025

Gintautas Paluckas, the Lithuanian Prime Minister, received the Progressive Person of the Year 2024-2025 award from the Foundation for European Progressive Studies (FEPS) on Wednesday, 29 January 2025.

This distinction was awarded for his notable achievements in strengthening social democratic values not only in Lithuania but across the entire European region. Paluckas’ election as the head of the national government is an important event for the entire European progressive community. His success in strengthening the Social Democratic Party of Lithuania and achieving an electoral victory that enabled the formation of the government demonstrates that the revival of centre-left political forces is possible throughout Europe.

“This is both a collective and an individual achievement, which should inspire progressive activists and organisations not only in the Baltic and Central and Eastern European region, but across Europe,” highlighted FEPS Secretary General, László Andor.

Prime Minister Paluckas’s personal qualities — determination and competence — were key criteria in selecting him for this distinguished title.

The award ceremony occurred during the launch of the sixth edition of the Progressive Yearbook. The Progressive Yearbook focuses on transversal European issues that have left a mark on 2024 and brings insightful future-looking analyses for progressive politics in 2025 with expert contributions from politicians, academics and analysts. 

FEPS awards the title of Progressive Person of the Year to social democratic leaders who contributed to the most important progressive policy initiatives of the past year. Previous recipients include Frans Timmermans, Sanna Marin, Roberto Gualtieri and Teresa Ribera.

Read the interview with Gintautas Paluckas, included in the Progressive Yearbook.

The video of the award ceremony will soon be available!

Find all related publications
Publications
See all
29/01/2026
Book

Progressive Yearbook 2026

In an eerie manner, 2025 resembled the ‘time of monsters’, which, according to the great […]
19/12/2025
Policy Brief

Financing enlargement via the 2028-2034 MFF

This brief intends to explain how the European Commission’s proposal for the 2028-2034 Multiannual Financial […]
24/06/2025
Policy Brief

Serbia’s civic awakening: the 2024-2025 student protests in focus

Friends of the Western Balkans series
28/02/2025
Policy Brief

Political parties in the EU and the challenges of EU enlargement

Balkan Focus Series
Find all related events
Events
See all
Upcoming
See all
30/05/2026
Nicosia, Cyprus

A progressive strategy for peace and cooperation in the Mediterranean

Call to Europe Cyprus
Past
See all
23/04/2026
Brussels, Belgium (Expert meeting)

An enlargement for a new generation 

Third progressive enlargement conference  
29/01/2026
FEPS HQ

FEPS’ New Year Reception & Progressive Yearbook launch

7th edition
Load more...
Find all related news
News
See all
08/12/2025

Friends of the Western Balkans’ joint statement

Belgrade, 21 November 2025 We, the Friends of the Western Balkans (FoWB) – representatives of […]
10/09/2025

Von der Leyen – walking the walk at last?

FEPS reaction to The State of the European Union 2025
16/05/2025

Joint statement by the Friends of the Western Balkans (FoWB)

Ljubljana, 16 May 2025 We, the Friends of the Western Balkans (FoWB) – representatives of […]
27/02/2025

European roundtable of Progressive think tanks

The European progressive way in the face of Trump's and the far-right agenda
Find all related in the media
In the media
See all

Une révolution civique, pas encore une révolution sociale

by Fondation Jean-Jaurès 06/05/2026
“A civic revolution, not yet a social revolution” Interview with László Andor, FEPS Secretary General, published by Fondation Jean-Jaurès (FR), analysing the electoral defeat of Viktor Orbán, the emergence of a broad opposition movement in Hungary, and the prospects for democratic renewal, EU relations and social change following what he describes as a “civic revolution” that has yet to deliver a social transformation.

Jön a pénz! Magyar Péter beváltja az ígéretét?

by KlikkTV 04/05/2026
“Money is coming! Will Péter Magyar deliver on his promise?” Video Interview published on KlikkTV (HU), featuring László Andor, FEPS Secretary General, discussing EU funds to Hungary, their political conditionality, and the importance of fair distribution, rule of law and social investment within the European Union.

‘Bruselas, ¿te Quiero?’ Tras un verano cruel, Von der Leyen pide a Europa que “luche”

by Euronews 16/09/2025
After a harsh summer, Von der Leyen calls on Europe to ‘fight’” Episode of Euronews’ Brussels, my Love? featuring Beatriz Abellán, FEPS Policy Analyst on International Relations, discussing Von der Leyen’s State of the Union speech, the EU’s trade deal with the United States, and the future of multilateralism. She also stresses that the EU’s credibility is at stake due to its delayed response to the genocide in Palestine.

Ласло Андор: България не губи нищо от присъединяването си към еврозоната

by BNR 15/07/2025
"Bulgaria has nothing to lose by joining the eurozone” Interview with FEPS Secretary General László Andor on Bulgarian National Radio, where he explains that Bulgaria has already borne the costs of financial stability and will benefit from eurozone accession.