The President of the European Parliament announced on Thursday that he would leave the presidency and return to German politics.
Martin Schulz confirmed during a press conference the earlier rumors that he would not renew his presidency in Jan. 2017.
"There has lately been a great deal of speculation in the press regarding my future. I have taken a decision, I will not seek a third mandate as president of the European Parliament," Schulz announced.
"Next year I will present my candidacy to the Bundestag (German Parliament) as leader of the Social Democratic Party (SPD), in the North Rhine-Westphalia region," he added.
Schulz said his commitment to the European project was unwavering and from now on he would be fighting for it at a national level from Germany.
He said he would continue to try and improve citizens' lives and reduce inequality.
Schulz said Germany, as Europe's largest nation, had a certain responsibility that guided him through the years he served in Brussels.
Schulz will complete his full EP mandate, due to end mid-Jan. and insisted Thursday was not a day to bid any farewells.
During the press conference, Schulz thanked his socialist colleagues at the EP and his "friend" and EC president Jean-Claude Juncker, who he defined as a "great European."
Junker's reaction to his departure was a laconic "I am sorry".
Schulz acknowledged his decision to leave Brussels was not easy, he underscored the honor it had been to work for the EP, first as MEP, then as leader of the Socialist and Democrats parliamentary group and finally, presiding the institution.
He stressed the world needed a strong, independent and united European Union to fight for its values and ideals.
