Key facts
- Four lawmakers are vying to lead the Green group in the European Parliament.
- The vote for new leaders will take place on Tuesday, October 5, 2026.
- The Greens are the sixth-largest group in the Parliament with 53 lawmakers.
- The group seeks to reverse losses from the 2024 EU election and prepare for 2029.
- Bas Eickhout resigned as leader in May due to undisclosed relationships with staffers.
- The group will elect two co-chairs.
The Green group in the European Parliament is set to elect new leaders on Tuesday, October 5, 2026, as it navigates a rightward political shift in Europe and aims to regain influence. The vote is part of the Parliament's midterm reshuffle and is the only open leadership race among the major groups.
Four candidates are vying for the two co-chair positions: Terry Reintke, Nicolae Ștefănuță, Isabella Lövin, and Sara Matthieu. The election follows the resignation of Bas Eickhout in May, who stepped down as leader and MEP amid revelations of undisclosed relationships with staffers.
Reintke, considered a continuity candidate, has helped lead the group since 2022 and believes in a mix of pragmatic dealmaking and more assertive external communication. Ștefănuță, a newcomer who defected from the liberals, emphasizes grassroots campaigning and building bridges between different delegations. Lövin, a former Swedish minister, is highlighting her experience and extensive network to shape EU policy and combat the far-right. Matthieu positions herself as a policy expert with grassroots and dealmaking experience, advocating for clear stances on environmental issues while maintaining pressure on the Commission.
All candidates broadly support a shift towards more offensive mobilization and engaging with citizens outside the Parliament, aiming to reverse significant losses in the 2024 EU elections and prepare for a comeback in 2029. The vote will conclude with a press conference at 6:15 p.m. CET to announce the winners.