Gideon Rachman, chief foreign affairs commentator for the Financial Times, has been named commentator of the year by the European Press Prize.

The pan-European contest annually salutes and encourages the highest achievements in European journalism. The commentator award is given to a commentator, columnist or editor whose work has made a decisive impact.

Rachman was the only UK-based winner of the night.

European press prize committee member Heikelina Verrijn Stuart, who presented the award to Rachman at a ceremony in Prague, said, “In his writings we hear a balance, fair and judicious voice. He leads his readers around corners that offer vistas that invite them to think anew.”

Rachman said: “I am honoured to recognized by the European Press Prize committee, and to be named alongside such talented competition.”

Rachman joined the Financial Times in 2006, prior to which he worked for The Economist for 15 years in a number of roles including foreign correspondent.

Read Rachman’s winning columns here, and see the full list of winners here.

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