Paul Hofheinz, president and co-founder of the Lisbon Council, visiting Bucha (Ukraine) in March 2023.
The Lisbon Council announces with deep sorrow the passing of its esteemed co-founder and president, Paul Hofheinz. Paul passed away on Friday, April 25, 2025 at the age of 61.
A visionary leader and tireless champion of European ideals, Paul Hofheinz dedicated his life to progress and democracy. After a successful career in journalism, in 2003, he co-founded the Lisbon Council which quickly became an influential voice in Brussels, shaping policy debates to realise the objectives of the 2000 Lisbon strategy: sustainable economic growth, more and better jobs and greater social cohesion.
Paul Hofheinz was a giant. A prolific writer, sought-after speaker and inspiring mentor, he consistently brought a fresh perspective to European policy discourse. He championed evidence, facts and tangible outcomes while eschewing hype, jargon and self-referentiality. Everyone who met him will remember his incredibly high standards, intellectual honesty, restless curiosity, visionary power combined with an eye for detail and a compelling commitment to making a difference in improving the European policy debate.
He fought a hard and brave battle with illness while seeing his ideals seemingly crumbling in these new, turbulent times, with democracy under attack and zero-sum thinking on economic growth.
We firmly believe his vision is more important than ever. Extending deepest condolences to his family and loved ones, the Lisbon Council team today commits to building on his legacy and continuing his fight for a better world, keeping his values and ideals alive in fostering democracy, scientific progress and social justice.
A memorial service will be held soon. Details will be made available on the Lisbon Council’s website.
Thank you, Paul. It has been a gift to know you and work alongside you.