European People's Party Group

European People's Party Group
Name	European People's Party Group
Abbr	EPP Group
Foundation	23 June 1953 (as the Christian Democratic Group)
Ideology	Christian democracy, Liberal conservatism, Pro-Europeanism
Position	Centre-right
Europarty	European People's Party (EPP)
Chairperson	Manfred Weber
MEPs	187 (July 2024)
European	European People's Party
Website	https://www.eppgroup.eu/

European People's Party Group. It is the political group in the European Parliament composed primarily of deputies from member parties of the European People's Party (EPP). As the oldest and traditionally largest grouping, it has been a central force in shaping European Union legislation and the development of the European project since the Common Assembly of the European Coal and Steel Community. The group advocates for policies based on Christian democracy, economic liberalism, and a strong transatlantic relationship.

History

The group's origins trace back to 23 June 1953, with the formation of the Christian Democratic Group in the Common Assembly of the European Coal and Steel Community. Founding figures included Alcide De Gasperi of Italy and Robert Schuman of France, architects of early European integration. It maintained dominance through the assemblies of the European Economic Community and European Atomic Energy Community. Following the first direct elections in 1979, it was renamed the European People's Party Group in 1999 after incorporating members from the European Democratic Union. The group has provided several Presidents of the European Commission, including Jacques Santer, José Manuel Barroso, and Ursula von der Leyen, and has been instrumental in treaties like the Maastricht Treaty and the Lisbon Treaty.

Political position and ideology

Ideologically, the group sits on the centre-right of the European Parliament. Its core philosophy is Christian democracy, emphasizing human dignity, social market economy, and subsidiarity. This is combined with tenets of liberal conservatism, advocating for fiscal responsibility, competitiveness, and digital transition. The group is staunchly pro-European, supporting deeper integration in areas like the European single market and European defence. It maintains a strong commitment to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization and close ties with the United States. On issues like climate change, it supports the European Green Deal while emphasizing technological innovation.

Organisation and structure

The group is governed by a Bureau led by the Chair, currently Manfred Weber. Decision-making is guided by weekly group meetings where MEPs coordinate positions before plenaries. It is structured into numerous working groups mirroring parliamentary committees, such as those on ECON and ENVI. The group's administration is supported by a secretariat based in the Espace Léopold complex in Brussels. Funding is derived from the European Parliament's budget for political groups.

Member parties and composition

The group consists almost entirely of MEPs from national parties that are members of the pan-European European People's Party. Key constituent delegations include CDU/CSU from Germany, Les Républicains from France, and Forza Italia. Following the 2019 elections, it briefly lost its position as the largest group to the Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats but regained it after the 2024 elections. It occasionally includes independent members or associates from non-EPP parties, such as the Hungarian Civic Alliance (Fidesz) before its departure in 2021. The group's membership spans all 27 EU member states.

Leadership

The Chair is the group's chief spokesperson and manager. Notable historical chairs include Egon Klepsch, Wilfried Martens, and Joseph Daul. The current Chair is German MEP Manfred Weber, elected in 2022. He also served as the EPP's Spitzenkandidat in the 2019 election. Other key leadership figures include Vice-Presidents like Esther de Lange and the group's Secretary-General. The leadership works closely with the President of the European People's Party, such as Donald Tusk, and the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen.

Electoral results

The group has consistently performed strongly in European Parliament elections. It won the most seats in the inaugural 1979 election and maintained this lead consecutively until 2019. In the 2024 election, it regained its position as the largest group, securing 189 seats. Its performance varies by region, showing strength in Germany, Poland, and Greece, while facing challenges in France and Italy. Electoral alliances are primarily coordinated through the European People's Party, which leads the campaign with a common manifesto. Results directly influence the appointment of the President of the European Commission and the composition of the European Council.

Category:European Parliament groups Category:Christian democratic parties in Europe Category:1979 establishments in Europe