I think the EPP has largely grown into a coherent oligarchic structure that dominates the European institutions. They have grown more power hungry as they coalesced more firmly. They have grown to dislike the common governance with Soc Dems and most RE Liberals
ChrononautDemocracy and national representation are baked into the EU system because there are no European parties participating in European elections - there are national parties that participate in European elections held at the national level. So the EU government is formed by dozens of national parties.