The process of the European integration has been progressing since the first European communities were established. Accompanying this progress is a constant debate on the institutional framework and legitimacy of the European decision-making process. Given the steadily increasing power of the European Parliament as a result of the EU treaty changes and the fact that more and more decisions are being made at the European level, the role of the European Parliament"s groups has gained in importance. Thisarticle shall focus on the institutional concepts of the EP groups, as well as on their evolvement, common interests and conflicts.
