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.