In the late 1990s, the last chairman of an independent EDU, Finnish conservative politician Sauli Niinistö, negotiated the merger of the EDU into the EPP.
[4] In October 2002, the EDU ceased its activities after being formally absorbed by the EPP at a special event in Estoril, Portugal.
[5][failed verification] In recognition of his efforts, Niinistö was elected Honorary President of the EPP in the same year.
Moreover, in April 2008, the EPP was recognized as a Regional Union by the IDU.
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