Our Group believes these parliamentary groups, being close to EU citizens, are crucial to democracy in Europe. That is why we support their involvement in the EU’s political debates.

We believe that the cooperation should focus on what we think Europe should do for a more prosperous and safer future for European citizens.

Very early on, the EPP Group recognised the importance of continuous political debate with EPP parliamentary groups in national parliaments on matters relating to Europe. We were the first Group to establish formal relations like this, bringing the national parliaments into the mix earlier in the legislative cycle. And because it is essential that decisions about the future of Europe are taken by politicians and political parties that are accountable rather than by institutions or anonymous bureaucracies, these Interparliamentary meetings are crucial to providing a solid basis for future European integration.

We hold regular meetings with elected national parliamentarians from the EPP family and have established networks between them and MEPs. The most important of these Interparliamentary gatherings are the Summits of EPP Group Chairs in the national parliaments of the EPP-affiliated national parties. Other meetings include the EPP Outreach Network and the Young Members Network.  

Summits of EPP Group Chairs

The Summits bring together all EPP parliamentary group chairs in the EU national parliaments and in the European Parliament. The meetings are linked timely and agenda-wise to the European Council Summits and to the EPP (Party) summits - in order to form a common view on the EPP Group's political perspectives and priorities and to discuss topical European issues. The Presidents of the European Parliament and the European Commission, and European Commissioners, if they belong to the EPP political family, can be invited to participate in the Summits.

EPP Outreach Network

Topical conferences and meetings aim at exchanging opinions within the EPP Group Outreach network that encompasses the EPP family and EPP like-minded entities across the EU at national level and,  thanks to the close cooperation with the EPP Group in the Committee of the Regions, also at regional level. These debates help to look into the current political issues in a more detailed way to further shape mutual understanding and improve ways of working together.

Young Members Network

The EPP Group Young Members Network consists of Members of national parliaments (MPs) from the EPP political family and EPP Group Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) up to the age of 40 at the time of their election. This Network initiated a popular exchange programme for national MPs called the Young MP Erasmus Programme, which allows them to spend time with the EPP Group and expand their network and knowledge of the European Union. The young members are actively involved in the debate on the future of Europe.