This study assesses, with an interdisciplinary approach, the EPP
(European People's Party) Group's contribution to and impact on European
integration as well as on the European Parliament and its powers during
the 40 years since its first direct elections. The study will emphasise
recent developments within the European Union. The book will consist of
five core chapters. Departing (1) from the key elements of the European
Communities' historical context at the time of the first EP elections,
the study will continue (2) with assessments of the EPP Group's role in
the constitutionalisation of the EU, its positioning (3) in the EU's
institutional and political framework as well as its role in and
approach to the EU's internal (4) and external (5) policies.