“Lithuania is becoming more beautiful and people are happy about it,” according to the Acting Prime Minister Saulius Skvernelis, who opened the first ELoGE Ceremony in Lithuania. The Minister of Interior Tamašunienė emphasised the importance of good governance and the advantages of ELoGE: “The 12 Principles have magical power and ELoGE is the perfect way to demonstrate the good work of municipalities…The results of this ELoGE round will surely encourage other municipalities to participate in the future”.

Ever since the Centre of Expertise for Good Governance first piloted the European Label of Governance Excellence over 10 years ago, this innovative tool has been steadily gaining interest throughout Europe. Participating municipalities conduct self-evaluations, councillors' and citizens' surveys to demonstrate adherence to the 12 Principles of Good Democratic Governance, measured against a specially developed benchmark.

Fourteen Lithuanian municipalities have succeeded in demonstrating their respect of the 12 Principles and became the first recipients of the Label in Lithuania.

They were also congratulated by Snežana Samardžic-Markovic, Director General of Democracy, Council of Europe, who took part in the ceremony.