List of Countries in European Union
As an economic and political union, the European Union is composed of 28 member nations. Except Cyprus which is located in Western Asia, all members are from Europe. Abbreviated for EU, the European Union has a population of 512,497,877 and an area of 4,475,757 km². Not yet a federation, the Union has grown into a single market where 19 members use the same currency – EURO. The following table presents a full list of EU countries ranked by latest total population. You can find specific accession date for each member and non-EURO currencies that are still used in other 9 member states. Also, It comprises 23 official languages and about 150 regional languages. Please note that, the number of member countries may be increasing in near future.
How Many Countries in European Union
The following table lists all 28 member countries of European Union. The candidate countries for EU membership are: Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Iceland, Montenegro, Serbia and Turkey. The potential candidate countries are Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina and Kosovo. Norway, Iceland, Switzerland and Liechtenstein are not members of the European Union, but participate in the single market except the customs union.
List of All EU Countries
Check the following table to see the list of all countries in European Union by population.
Map of EU Countries
Facts about European Union
- European Union Day is celebrated on May 9th.
- The so-called “Eurozone” corresponds to the 17 EU member states that adopted the EURO currency, with Estonia being the last country to adopt the currency in 2011.
- The estimated European population is 500 million people, which corresponds to 7% of the world population.
- Some researchers believe that the formation of the European Union begins with the creation of the Benelux bloc (Belgium, the Netherlands, Luxembourg) during World War II, whose main objective was to form a common market by reducing customs tariffs among member countries.
- The European Union participates in important meeting forums such as the G7 – Group of Seven, G8 (G7 + Russia) and G20.
The Beginnings of European Integration
Post-War Europe and the Need for Unity
After the devastation of World War II, Europe faced the urgent need for reconstruction and peace. The idea of European integration was seen as a way to prevent future conflicts and foster economic cooperation. Leaders like Robert Schuman, Jean Monnet, and Konrad Adenauer envisioned a united Europe where countries would work together to ensure stability and prosperity.
The European Coal and Steel Community (ECSC)
In 1951, the Treaty of Paris established the European Coal and Steel Community (ECSC), the first step towards economic integration. This treaty aimed to regulate the coal and steel industries of member countries (Belgium, France, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, and West Germany) and place them under a common authority. The ECSC was a groundbreaking initiative, laying the foundation for deeper cooperation and setting a precedent for future integration.
The Formation of the European Economic Community
The Treaty of Rome
The success of the ECSC encouraged further integration, leading to the signing of the Treaty of Rome in 1957. This treaty established the European Economic Community (EEC) and the European Atomic Energy Community (Euratom). The EEC aimed to create a common market and customs union among the six founding members, promoting free movement of goods, services, capital, and people. Euratom focused on the peaceful use of nuclear energy.
Expansion and Deepening of the EEC
Throughout the 1960s and 1970s, the EEC expanded its membership and deepened its integration. Denmark, Ireland, and the United Kingdom joined in 1973, marking the first enlargement. This period also saw the development of common policies, such as the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) and the introduction of the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF).
From the EEC to the European Union
The Single European Act
The 1980s brought significant changes with the signing of the Single European Act (SEA) in 1986. The SEA aimed to create a single market by 1992, removing remaining barriers to free trade and harmonizing regulations across member states. It also expanded the powers of the European Parliament and enhanced cooperation in areas like environmental policy and research.
The Maastricht Treaty
The Treaty on European Union, commonly known as the Maastricht Treaty, was signed in 1992 and came into force in 1993. This treaty marked the formal establishment of the European Union (EU) and introduced a three-pillar structure: the European Communities, Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP), and Justice and Home Affairs (JHA). It also laid the groundwork for the Economic and Monetary Union (EMU) and the introduction of a single currency, the euro.
The Euro and Further Enlargement
Introduction of the Euro
The euro was introduced as an accounting currency in 1999 and entered into circulation in 2002, becoming the official currency for 12 EU countries. The establishment of the European Central Bank (ECB) and the implementation of the Stability and Growth Pact (SGP) aimed to ensure fiscal discipline and economic stability within the Eurozone.
Eastern Enlargement
The EU underwent its largest enlargement in 2004, welcoming ten new member states from Central and Eastern Europe, along with Cyprus and Malta. This expansion aimed to promote stability, democracy, and economic growth in post-communist Europe. Bulgaria and Romania joined in 2007, followed by Croatia in 2013.
Challenges and Reforms
The Lisbon Treaty
The Treaty of Lisbon, which came into force in 2009, was designed to streamline EU operations and enhance its democratic legitimacy. It reformed institutional structures, introduced the position of the President of the European Council, and expanded the role of the European Parliament. The treaty also provided for greater coherence in external relations and decision-making processes.
Financial Crises and Responses
The global financial crisis of 2008 and the subsequent Eurozone debt crisis posed significant challenges for the EU. Member states implemented austerity measures and financial reforms to stabilize their economies. The EU established mechanisms like the European Stability Mechanism (ESM) and undertook banking union initiatives to strengthen financial governance and prevent future crises.
Current Developments and the Future of the EU
Brexit
In 2016, the United Kingdom voted to leave the EU, leading to Brexit. The UK formally exited the EU on January 31, 2020. Brexit has had profound political, economic, and social implications, prompting discussions on the future direction and cohesion of the EU.
Ongoing Integration and Enlargement
Despite challenges, the EU continues to pursue deeper integration and enlargement. Countries in the Western Balkans and Eastern Europe aspire to join the union, and the EU remains committed to supporting their reforms and development. Issues such as climate change, digital transformation, and geopolitical tensions shape the EU’s policy agenda and its role on the global stage.
