Progressief Nederland votes to join Party of European Socialists

Members of the Dutch opposition party Progressief Nederland (PRO) have voted to join the Party of European Socialists (PES) rather than the European Green Party. Approximately 65 percent of the members supported the move, following a recommendation from an advisory committee that argued the PES offers greater political influence due to its leadership within the European Commission and Council.

The decision follows the merger of the GroenLinks and PvdA parties into the newly formed PRO. While the party will align with the PES at the European level, its eight Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) are expected to continue working within their current parliamentary groups—four in the Socialists and Democrats (S&D) and four in the Greens/European Free Alliance—until the 2029 European elections.

PRO leader Jesse Klaver had previously expressed a preference for the PES, citing its status as one of the largest political families in Europe. Newly elected chair Kitty Jong noted that while the result brings satisfaction, it may also bring a sense of loss for those favoring the Green alignment.