The EPP: A European Success Story

Introduction

The European People's Party (EPP) is a center-right political party at the European level. It is the largest political group in the European Parliament and the second-largest in the Council of Europe. The EPP is committed to the principles of Christian democracy, conservatism, and liberalism.

History

The EPP was founded in 1976 as the European Democratic Union (EDU). It was renamed the EPP in 1999. The EPP has its roots in the Christian democratic movement that emerged in Europe after World War II. The party's first president was Alcide De Gasperi, the Prime Minister of Italy from 1945 to 1953.

Policies

The EPP's policies are based on the principles of Christian democracy, conservatism, and liberalism. The party supports a free market economy, but it also believes in the importance of social justice. The EPP is committed to protecting the environment and promoting human rights.

Leaders

The current President of the EPP is Joseph Daul, a French politician. Other prominent EPP leaders include Angela Merkel, the Chancellor of Germany; Mariano Rajoy, the Prime Minister of Spain; and Jean-Claude Juncker, the President of the European Commission.

Achievements

The EPP has played a major role in the development of the European Union. The party has been instrumental in the creation of the single market, the eurozone, and the European Stability Mechanism. The EPP has also been a strong supporter of enlargement, and it has helped to bring new member states into the EU.