European Parliament Greens Elect Reintke and Ștefănuță as New Leadership

The Greens/EFA group in the European Parliament on Tuesday selected Terry Reintke and Nicu Ștefănuță as its new leadership duo in Strasbourg. The group hopes to regain some of the influence it held at its 2019 high point.

Reintke secured another term as co-chair. Ștefănuță, who represents Romania, won the second spot ahead of Belgium's Sara Matthieu and Sweden's Isabella Lövin.

Campaigning, but no change of course

Reintke said the result gives a mandate for "a very energetic two and a half years". The pair plan to campaign actively on climate protection, social justice, democracy and the rule of law. At the same time, she stressed that a renewed leadership does not mean a shift in political direction, and the group will continue its existing line.

Ștefănuță said the new team wants to broaden the Greens' appeal beyond their traditional environmental agenda by reaching younger voters and addressing everyday economic worries such as the high cost of living, energy prices and economic stability.

Ștefănuță's background

Reintke has led the group since 2022. Ștefănuță moved from Renew Europe to the Greens in March 2023, became one of the group's vice-presidents nine months later, and was made a vice-president of the European Parliament in July 2024. Reintke noted that his election reflects a wish for greater regional representation and a broader perspective on Europe's varied realities.

One of the leadership posts became vacant when Bas Eickhout resigned as co-chair and as an MEP in May. He said at the time that he had had relationships inappropriate for his role and took responsibility for them.

Rebuilding influence

In the 2019 election the group won 74 seats and became the fourth-largest force in Parliament. It now has 53 lawmakers and ranks sixth. Reintke said the group has "a strategy of growth" and wants to attract new MEPs, with discussions on possible enlargement expected in the coming months.