In this chapter, former Slovenian prime minister Alojz Peterle offers a personal and historical reflection on the role of the European People’s Party (EPP) and the European Union of Christian Democrats (EUCD) in supporting democratic transformation and European integration in Central and Eastern Europe after the fall of Communism. Drawing from his experience as Slovenia’s first prime minister and long-time EPP and EUCD vice-president, Peterle highlights early engagement with Western leaders such as Helmut Kohl and Wilfried Martens, and illustrates how inclusion in European political families gave Christian Democratic forces in the region a platform on the international stage. The chapter traces the path from early cooperation to the merger of the EUCD and the EPP in 1999, which Peterle sees as a key moment in building a more united and values-driven Europe. With a strong emphasis on Christian Democratic principles and the importance of shared values, Peterle argues that the EPP’s strength has always stemmed from its moral clarity and historical vision—qualities he believes are vital for navigating today’s geopolitical challenges.