While his elder brother Philip inherited the principality of Grubenhagen from his father, Eric was destined according to the customs of the era for a career in the clergy.

However, Emperor Maximilian I refused to acknowledge him as prince and even outlawed him, because of an outstanding tax debt.

Eric received imperial recognition only on 2 April 1521, from Emperor Charles V. The Reformation started during his term in office.

In the Roman Catholic literature his stance on religious matters is described as ambiguous, because he witnessed the wedding of a former Benedictine nun from Kaufungen.

However, Eric died unexpectedly on 14 May 1532, during a banquet in Fürstenau to celebrate his election in Münster with his noble friends.