What impact from Pamatai would make you most proud?

I hope that in the next two decades Lithuania will continue to prosper, and that the average income per capita will be equal to the Netherlands. The Nobel Prize in Economics in 2024 showed that the most important driver of a country’s economic success is well-governed institutions that protect property rights, promote equal opportunities, and uphold the rule of law. In Lithuania, despite progress since independence, corruption continues to challenge governmental institutions and companies. Recent high-profile controversies have revealed weaknesses at the highest levels of public life, underscoring the urgent need for accountability and transparency. Investigative journalism is one of the strongest tools available to fight corruption. By uncovering misconduct, holding power to account, and informing citizens, journalists play a critical role in strengthening democratic institutions and building a culture of integrity. Lithuania is in the midst of a hybrid war with Russia, so we need to step up if we want to grow stronger.

Beyond your own donation, more than a million euros has already been pledged by the local tech community. What have you been hearing from them in response to your call?

The local tech community has been generous and supportive since I shared the idea with them. It feels amazing to be part of a community that wants the best for their country and is willing to contribute significantly to this. Lithuania can be proud that it has a new generation of leaders who are asking themselves what they can do for their country. I think that the supportive and generous character of Lithuanians is a strength that will help us a lot over the next decades. All in all, it makes me super bullish on Lithuania and Europe—it feels like we can do this. The geopolitical situation is hard now, but we will persevere.

How would you describe your relationship with Lithuania today? It's been more than 10 years since you took that flight to Vilnius…

I love this country and its people. Vinted owes its success to a Lithuanian team that was willing to work very hard through tough times. And over the last 10 years, the government did a good job in letting businesses drive success and letting all boats rise on these rising tides. I'm very grateful for that. Next to that, I feel at home in Lithuanian culture. It's a culture of hard work, no nonsense, and meaningful friendships that give support in hard times. And as a cherry on top, Lithuania is beautiful: endless pine forests, lakes, Neringa, safe city centres with deep historic value, and saunas everywhere—I mean, what is there not to love…