On 10 June 2000 the People's Union merged with the Estonian Country Union (Eesti Maaliit, EML) and with the Estonian Party of Pensioners and Families (Eesti Pensionäride ja Perede Erakond, EPPE), becoming the largest political party in Estonia.

Another merger with the New Estonia Party (Erakond Uus Eesti) in 2003 resulted in further growth of membership.

The People's Union of Estonia was an agrarian party with populist, social democratic influences.

Consequently, the party experienced difficulties in gaining wider support in cities and big towns.

The representation of the People's Union in towns (including the capital Tallinn) grew and they started to work on involving Russian-speaking minority in political activities.

In local elections on 16 October 2005 the People's Union was also rather successful, winning 4 seats in Tallinn City Council and becoming part of coalitions in Tartu, Pärnu and Viljandi.

[5] Following the failed merger attempt, leading ERL members left the party and joined the SDE.

[7] In an earlier 2006 press release, the Patriotic Movement had characterized the People's Union (and Center Party) as traitors.