Member States of the European Union

The European Union (EU) is a unique supranational entity comprising 27 member states, each of which plays a vital role in shaping the union's policies and direction. These member states are integral to the EU's functioning and governance, as they participate in the decision-making processes through various bodies such as the European Council, the Council of the European Union, and the European Parliament.

Accession and Enlargement

The process of joining the EU is known as accession. A country must meet the Copenhagen criteria, which include a stable democracy, a functioning market economy, and the acceptance of EU laws and norms. The enlargement of the European Union has occurred in several waves, beginning with the founding member states and continuing through to the most recent members.

Rights and Responsibilities

Member states are subject to the EU's founding treaties, which confer specific rights and responsibilities. These include participation in the EU's single market, which allows for the free movement of goods, services, people, and capital. Member states are also part of the European Union Customs Union, which facilitates trade by eliminating tariffs between countries.

Special Territories

Some member states have territories with special status within or outside the EU, such as the special territories of members of the European Economic Area. These territories may have unique arrangements and relationships with the EU, reflecting historical, geographical, or political factors.

Neutral Member States

A few member states maintain a stance of neutrality, such as Ireland and Austria, which affects their participation in EU military alliances. These states are part of the EU's political framework yet choose not to engage in military aspects of the union.

Population and Area

The list of European Union member states by population and area showcases the diversity and size of each member state. Larger states such as Germany and France hold significant influence, while smaller states contribute to the EU's diversity.

European Union Citizenship

Citizenship of the EU is a legal status afforded to nationals of its member states, providing rights such as the ability to live and work in any member state, vote in European Parliament elections, and seek consular protection from any EU country when outside the EU.

Passports and Free Movement

The passports of the European Union follow a standardized design, symbolizing EU citizenship. This facilitates the free movement of EU citizens across member states, underpinning the union's commitment to integration and unity.

European Union

The European Union (EU) is a political and economic union of 27 member states that are located primarily in Europe. The EU operates through a system of supranational institutions and intergovernmental-negotiated decisions by the member states. The EU has developed an internal single market through a standardized system of laws that apply in all member states in those matters, and only those matters, where the states have agreed to act as one.

History of the European Union

The history of the European Union traces back to the aftermath of World War II. European integration was seen as a way to prevent the extreme nationalism that had devastated the continent. The idea was to create a common market with free movement of goods, services, people, and capital.

The foundational treaties include the Treaty of Paris in 1951, establishing the European Coal and Steel Community (ECSC), and the Treaties of Rome in 1957, which created the European Economic Community (EEC) and the European Atomic Energy Community (Euratom).

The Maastricht Treaty of 1993 officially established the European Union and introduced the three-pillar structure of the EU. Later, the Treaty of Lisbon in 2009 reformed many aspects of the EU and increased the powers of the European Parliament.

Member States

As of today, the European Union consists of 27 member states. These countries are subject to the EU's founding treaties. Notable exits and non-members include Brexit, where the United Kingdom left the EU in 2020.

Enlargement of the European Union

The EU has expanded several times throughout its history by admitting new member states. This process is known as EU enlargement. Countries aspiring to join must meet the Copenhagen Criteria.

Institutions of the European Union

The European Union is governed by several key institutions:

European Commission: The executive branch responsible for proposing legislation, implementing decisions, and managing the EU's day-to-day affairs. It is headed by the President of the European Commission.
European Parliament: The EU's directly elected parliamentary institution. It participates in the legislative process and oversees other EU institutions. Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) are elected every five years.
European Council: Composed of the heads of state or government of the member states, it defines the EU's overall political direction and priorities. The President of the European Council chairs its meetings.
Council of the European Union: Also known as the Council of Ministers, it works together with the European Parliament to adopt legislation and coordinate policies.

The European Economic Area (EEA) extends the EU's single market to non-EU member states, including Norway, Iceland, and Liechtenstein. The European Free Trade Association (EFTA) comprises these countries plus Switzerland, which maintains bilateral agreements with the EU.