European Union Countries List
The European Union, often abbreviated as EU, is a political and economic union of 27 member states located primarily in Europe. It traces its origins to the aftermath of World War II and the desire to foster economic cooperation and prevent future conflicts among European nations.
| Country | Currency | Admitted to EU |
|---|---|---|
| Austria | Euro (EUR) | 1995 |
| Belgium | Euro (EUR) | 1957 (Founding Member) |
| Bulgaria | Bulgarian Lev (BGN) | 2007 |
| Croatia | Croatian Kuna (HRK) | 2013 |
| Cyprus | Euro (EUR) | 2004 |
| Czech Republic | Czech Koruna (CZK) | 2004 |
| Denmark | Danish Krone (DKK) | 1973 |
| Estonia | Euro (EUR) | 2004 |
| Finland | Euro (EUR) | 1995 |
| France | Euro (EUR) | 1957 (Founding Member) |
| Germany | Euro (EUR) | 1957 (Founding Member) |
| Greece | Euro (EUR) | 1981 |
| Hungary | Hungarian Forint (HUF) | 2004 |
| Ireland | Euro (EUR) | 1973 |
| Italy | Euro (EUR) | 1957 (Founding Member) |
| Latvia | Euro (EUR) | 2004 |
| Lithuania | Euro (EUR) | 2004 |
| Luxembourg | Euro (EUR) | 1957 (Founding Member) |
| Malta | Euro (EUR) | 2004 |
| Netherlands | Euro (EUR) | 1957 (Founding Member) |
| Poland | Polish Zloty (PLN) | 2004 |
| Portugal | Euro (EUR) | 1986 |
| Romania | Romanian Leu (RON) | 2007 |
| Slovakia | Euro (EUR) | 2004 |
| Slovenia | Euro (EUR) | 2004 |
| Spain | Euro (EUR) | 1986 |
| Sweden | Swedish Krona (SEK) | 1995 |
Historical Background
The EU’s roots can be traced back to the European Coal and Steel Community (ECSC) established in 1951, which aimed to integrate the coal and steel industries of its founding members. This initiative evolved into broader economic and political integration, leading to the establishment of the European Economic Community (EEC) in 1957 through the Treaty of Rome.
Objectives and Principles
The EU is founded on principles of democracy, human rights, and the rule of law. Its primary objectives include promoting peace, stability, and prosperity among its member states, fostering economic growth through a single market, and advancing cooperation in various policy areas, including trade, environment, and security.
Institutions of the European Union
The EU operates through a complex system of institutions, each with specific roles and functions.
European Council
The European Council comprises the heads of state or government of the EU member states, along with the President of the European Council and the President of the European Commission. It sets the EU’s overall political direction and priorities.
European Commission
The European Commission acts as the executive branch of the EU. It proposes legislation, implements EU policies and programs, enforces EU law, and represents the EU in international negotiations.
European Parliament
The European Parliament is the directly elected legislative body of the EU. It debates and adopts EU legislation, scrutinizes the work of other EU institutions, and represents the interests of EU citizens.
Council of the European Union
The Council of the European Union, also known as the Council of Ministers, represents the member states’ governments. It negotiates and adopts EU laws, coordinates policies, and resolves differences between EU institutions.
Court of Justice of the European Union
The Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) ensures the uniform interpretation and application of EU law. It consists of the Court of Justice, the General Court, and specialized courts.
Policies and Areas of Cooperation
The EU has jurisdiction over various policy areas, including:
Single Market and Economic Policies
The EU’s single market allows for the free movement of goods, services, capital, and people within the EU. It aims to remove barriers to trade, promote competition, and stimulate economic growth.
Common Foreign and Security Policy
The EU coordinates its member states’ foreign and security policies to promote peace, stability, and security in Europe and beyond. It conducts diplomatic efforts, crisis management, and peacekeeping operations.
Environmental and Climate Policies
The EU is committed to combating climate change, preserving natural resources, and promoting sustainable development. It sets ambitious targets for reducing greenhouse gas emissions, promoting renewable energy, and protecting biodiversity.
Justice and Home Affairs
The EU promotes cooperation among its member states in areas such as border control, asylum, immigration, and police and judicial cooperation to ensure security and safeguard fundamental rights.
Enlargement and Future Prospects
Since its inception, the EU has expanded through several rounds of enlargement, welcoming new member states from Central and Eastern Europe, as well as the Mediterranean region. The prospect of further enlargement remains a topic of debate, with some countries expressing interest in joining the EU.