European People's Party

European People's Party

The European People's Party (EPP) is a transnational political party in Europe, primarily composed of center-right, Christian-democratic, and conservative member parties. It is one of the major political forces in the European Union and plays a significant role in shaping European policies and governance.

History

The EPP was founded on 8 July 1976 in Luxembourg as a federation of Christian-democratic parties. Its creation was driven by the need for a unified political force that could effectively represent center-right values in the European Parliament. Over the years, the EPP has expanded its membership to include conservative and other center-right parties from across Europe.

Ideology

The EPP's ideology is rooted in Christian democracy, which emphasizes the importance of human dignity, social justice, and solidarity. The party also supports a strong and integrated European Union, advocating for economic growth, security, and sustainable development. The EPP promotes policies that balance market economy principles with social welfare considerations.

Structure

The EPP is structured as a federation of national political parties. Its main bodies include:

• EPP Congress: The highest decision-making body, which meets every three years to set the party's political agenda and elect its leadership.
• Political Assembly: Composed of delegates from member parties, it meets regularly to discuss policy issues and coordinate activities.
• EPP Presidency: The executive body responsible for the day-to-day management of the party.

Membership

The EPP has member parties from across the European continent, including major parties such as the CDU in Germany, the AKP in Turkey, and the PP in Spain. It also has associated and observer parties from non-EU countries.

Influence in the European Union

The EPP is the largest political group in the European Parliament, holding a significant number of seats. It has been influential in shaping EU policies on issues such as economic governance, foreign policy, and environmental protection. The EPP has also been instrumental in the election of several Presidents of the European Commission, including Jean-Claude Juncker and Ursula von der Leyen.

Criticism and Challenges

The EPP has faced criticism for its handling of certain issues, such as its stance on Hungary's Fidesz party and its leader Viktor Orbán. Critics argue that the EPP has been too lenient in addressing concerns about democratic backsliding in Hungary. Additionally, the party faces challenges in maintaining unity among its diverse member parties, which sometimes have differing views on key issues.

See Also

• European Parliament
• Christian democracy
• Conservatism in Europe

References

• "European People's Party." EPP Official Website. [1]
• "History of the EPP." EPP Official Website. [2]