The European Parliament, the overarching democratic institution of the European Union, is at the centre of EPP activity. In the last three European elections, the EPP election campaigns have been particularly successful since they secured for its Group in Parliament its first place. In the June 2009, the EPP Group under the stead leadership of Chairman Joseph DAUL, secured 265 seats securing its leading position in the European Parliament. In July 2009, the European Parliament elected the EPP candidate, former Polish Prime Minister Jerzy BUZEK as its new President.