Greens Co-Chair Bas Eickhout Resigns from EU Parliament After Relationship Disclosure

The veteran politician had served for 17 years in the European Parliament, including as the Greens' lead candidate in the 2024 European elections.

Longtime EU Parliamentarian

Colleagues described the departure as sudden, with co-chair Terry Reintke reportedly calling it an 'untenable situation' during internal discussions in Strasbourg.

Eickhout's statement highlighted his pride in the Greens' achievements during his tenure, particularly their influence on the EU's Green Deal environmental policies.

The resignation comes as the Dutch Greens undergo restructuring, with Eickhout citing exhaustion from frontline politics after nearly two decades.

Code of Conduct Concerns

Party insiders suggested the departure followed weeks of internal discussions about undisclosed workplace relationships violating transparency rules.

Schilling, the youngest member of the current European Parliament, confirmed the relationship but declined further comment.

The Greens' EU parliamentary group stated all members had been properly informed about the relationship to prevent work disruptions.

Party Transition

Analysts note Eickhout's exit removes one of Europe's most experienced Green politicians during crucial climate policy negotiations.

His statement concluded with an apology: 'I should not have done this, and I take full responsibility.'

The resignation takes effect immediately, with Greens leadership beginning the search for a new co-chair this week.

Immediate Consequences

Eickhout's departure marks the end of an era for the Dutch Greens, whom he represented since 2009.