The European Union (EU) is a unique economic and political union between 27 European countries. It operates as a single market, allowing for the free movement of goods, capital, services, and people between member states. The EU was formally established by the Maastricht Treaty, which came into force on November 1, 1993. However, its roots can be traced back to the European Coal and Steel Community (ECSC) founded in 1951.
The EU evolved from earlier European communities. The original six founding members of the European Coal and Steel Community, which later developed into the EU, were: Belgium, France, West Germany (now Germany), Italy, Luxembourg, Netherlands. These countries signed the Treaty of Paris in 1951, establishing the ECSC, which laid the foundation for what would eventually become the European Union.
Member states
| # | Country | Date of Admission |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 01-01-1958 | |
| 2 | 01-01-1958 | |
| 3 | 01-01-1958 | |
| 4 | 01-01-1958 | |
| 5 | 01-01-1958 | |
| 6 | 01-01-1958 | |
| 7 | 01-01-1973 | |
| 8 | 01-01-1973 | |
| 9 | 01-01-1981 | |
| 10 | 01-01-1986 | |
| 11 | 01-01-1986 | |
| 12 | 01-01-1995 | |
| 13 | 01-01-1995 | |
| 14 | 01-01-1995 | |
| 15 | 01-01-2007 | |
| 16 | 01-01-2007 | |
| 17 | 01-05-2004 | |
| 18 | 01-05-2004 | |
| 19 | 01-05-2004 | |
| 20 | 01-05-2004 | |
| 21 | 01-05-2004 | |
| 22 | 01-05-2004 | |
| 23 | 01-05-2004 | |
| 24 | 01-05-2004 | |
| 25 | 01-05-2004 | |
| 26 | 01-05-2004 | |
| 27 | 01-07-2013 |
EU Member States in Alphabetical Order
As of 2024, the European Union consists of 27 member states. Here is a comprehensive list of all EU countries in alphabetical order: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden.
This list reflects the current membership of the EU following the United Kingdom's departure (Brexit) in 2020.
Key Reasons for the EU's Creation
The EU was created with several key objectives:
- Preventing future conflicts: By intertwining economies and promoting cooperation, the EU aimed to make war between member states virtually impossible.
- Economic recovery: A unified economic approach was seen as crucial for rebuilding Europe's shattered economies.
- Promoting democracy: The EU was designed to strengthen democratic values and human rights across the continent.
- Enhancing global influence: By working together, European nations could have a stronger voice on the world stage.
Largest Countries in the EU
Among all European Union countries, some stand out due to their significant land area. Here are the top five largest countries in the EU by total area:
- France: With a total area of 551,695 square kilometers (213,011 square miles), France is the largest country in the EU. This includes its metropolitan area in Europe and several overseas territories.
- Spain: The second-largest EU country, Spain covers 505,990 square kilometers (195,360 square miles). It includes the mainland, the Balearic Islands, and the Canary Islands.
- Sweden: Occupying most of the Scandinavian Peninsula, Sweden is the third-largest EU country with an area of 450,295 square kilometers (173,860 square miles).
- Germany: The fourth-largest country in the EU, Germany spans 357,022 square kilometers (137,847 square miles) in Central Europe.
- Finland: Rounding out the top five is Finland, with a total area of 338,424 square kilometers (130,666 square miles). It is known for its vast forests and numerous lakes.
These five countries combined account for a significant portion of the EU's total land area, showcasing the geographical diversity within the union.
Which EU Countries Speak English?
While English is widely spoken across the European Union as a second language, only one EU member state has English as its official language. Ireland is currently the sole EU country where English is an official language:
- English is the primary language for most Irish citizens
- It's used in government, education, and business
- Irish (Gaeilge) is the first official language, but English is more widely spoken
Other EU Countries with High English Proficiency
Although not official, English is widely spoken in several other EU countries:
- Netherlands: Known for its high level of English proficiency
- Denmark: English is commonly used in business and higher education
- Sweden: Many Swedes are fluent in English
- Finland: English is widely spoken, especially in urban areas
Countries That Have Left the EU
To date, only one country has officially left the European Union: The United Kingdom. The United Kingdom is the sole nation to have departed from the European Union. This process, commonly known as Brexit, was a complex and lengthy affair:
- June 23, 2016: The UK held a referendum on EU membership - 51.9% of voters chose to leave the EU
- March 29, 2017: The UK government triggered Article 50, formally starting the withdrawal process
- January 31, 2020: The UK officially left the EU
- December 31, 2020: The transition period ended, fully separating the UK from EU regulations
Other Territories
While not countries in their own right, some territories have also left the EU due to changes in their relationship with member states:
- Greenland: Left in 1985 after gaining autonomy from Denmark
- Saint Barthélemy: Separated from the EU in 2012 due to changing its status within France
- Saint Martin: Remains in the EU, but the Dutch part (Sint Maarten) left when it became a constituent country of the Netherlands in 2010
Potential Future Departures
As of now, no other EU member states have formally initiated the process to leave the Union. However, eurosceptic movements exist in various countries, and the possibility of future departures cannot be ruled out entirely.
Candidates for EU Membership
As of 2024, several countries are in various stages of the accession process to join the European Union. The most prominent candidates include:
- Albania: Granted candidate status in 2014, negotiations opened in 2022.
- Montenegro: Negotiations ongoing since 2012, considered the frontrunner among candidates.
- North Macedonia: Candidate since 2005, negotiations opened in 2022 after resolving naming dispute with Greece.
- Serbia: Negotiations ongoing since 2014, progress dependent on normalization of relations with Kosovo.
Other Potential Candidates
- Bosnia and Herzegovina: Potential candidate, application submitted in 2016, awaiting candidate status.
- Kosovo: Potential candidate, but faces challenges due to disputed statehood.
Recent Developments
In 2022, Ukraine and Moldova were granted EU candidate status, with Georgia receiving a European perspective. However, their accession processes are expected to be lengthy due to ongoing conflicts and required reforms.