Progressive Netherlands (PRO) has resolved its European alignment following a grassroots member vote, with over 65 per cent choosing to affiliate with the Party of European Social Democrats (PES) and its S&D group in the European Parliament.
The ballot was triggered by the formal merger of GroenLinks and the Labour Party (PvdA), whose eight MEPs were previously split down the middle between the European Green Party (EGP) and the PES. Between 18 and 25 September, approximately 38,700 members participated in the vote, easily surpassing the 15 per cent quorum with a final turnout of just over 35 per cent.
Despite the formal choice, the existing delegation will not alter its day-to-day work immediately. PRO MEP Mohammed Chahim confirmed that the party’s representatives will remain in their current respective groups until the next EU elections: “We will continue working from within both the Greens and S&D until 2029, keeping a strong progressive voice at the heart of European decision-making.”
The vote underscores a pragmatic shift pushed by parliamentary leader Jesse Klaver, who openly favoured the PES due to the strategic influence held by the Socialists & Democrats as the second-largest bloc in Parliament. However, MEPs from the GroenLinks wing had lobbied to retain ties with the European Greens, arguing the alignment better preserved their core ideological identity.
Newly appointed PRO chair Kitty Jong acknowledged the inevitable tension created by the decision, stating: “The result will bring celebration for some and disappointment for others. Both feelings are entirely valid. The board’s priority now is to handle this transition thoughtfully and keep our movement united.”
@anp | NEWS BRAINPORT
