The resignation “has nothing to do with the relationship with Lena,” Eickhout told POLITICO via a spokesperson. The spokesperson declined to give further details.
In a statement on Wednesday, the Greens group said it respected and understood Eickhout’s decision to quit.
“We take any allegations of breaches of the code of conduct very seriously,” the group said. “A professional, open working environment for everyone is essential and our group has acted accordingly. We will continue to work on building a culture of respect, trust and openness in the workplace.”
It added: “We understand the impact of this announcement and we would like to highlight that the group has confidential counsellors and other resources available for those affected by these decisions.”
The move comes as all leadership positions in Parliament will be up for grabs in January 2027 for the so-called midterm reshuffle, including political group chairmanship. Eickhout’s Green-Left party in the Netherlands is entering its final phase of a merger with the Dutch Social Democrats into a new party called “PRO.”
“I have given it a lot of thought as to whether I want to carry on after the mid-terms, and I have come to the conclusion that I no longer have the energy for it,” he said. “With the establishment of PRO on the horizon, we are entering a new era. The party deserves representatives who will throw themselves into it with full energy.”