[4] Until then, its MEPs continued as members of the now-dissolved ED subgroup within the broader EPP-ED group.

Since its launch, it was unclear as to whether the MER would remain a simple pan-European alliance or apply for official recognition as a European political party.

[5] MER's position was that the European Union should exist; however, it should be a looser supranational organisation than the current structure.

Members of MER were: In the first week of March 2007, under Petar Stoyanov, the Bulgarian Union of Democratic Forces (UDF) decided to join.

As a result, Petar Stoyanov - who was accused by his critics of making poor decisions during the campaign, including the MER choice - resigned as UDF leader.