Today, most of the European powers are united in a single community, called the "Eurozone". On their territory there are: a single commodity market, a visa-free regime, a common currency (euro) has been introduced. To understand which countries are currently part of the European Union, and what are the trends in its development, it is necessary to turn to history.
Now the EU includes (in brackets the year of entry is indicated):
- Austria (1995)
- Belgium (1957)
- Bulgaria (2007)
- UK (1973)
- Hungary (2004)
- Germany (1957)
- Greece (1981)
- Denmark (1973)
- Ireland (1973)
- Spain (1986)
- Italy (1957)
- Cyprus (2004)
- Latvia (2004)
- Lithuania (2004)
- Luxembourg (1957)
- Malta (2004)
- Netherlands (1957)
- Poland (2004)
- Slovakia (2004)
- Slovenia (2004)
- Portugal (1986)
- Romania (2007)
- Finland (1995)
- France (1957)
- Croatia (2013)
- Czech Republic (2004)
- Sweden (1995)
- Estonia (2004)
Map of the European Union for 2020. Click to enlarge.
Historical facts
For the first time, proposals for European integration were voiced back in the 19th century (1867) at the Paris Conference. But because of the deep and fundamental contradictions between the powers, the matter came to practical implementation almost 100 years later. During this time, European states had to go through many local and 2 world wars. Only after the end of the Second World War, these ideas began to be discussed again and gradually implemented. It is explained by the fact that the EU member states realized that the rapid and effective recovery of national economies, as well as their further development, can be carried out only by pooling resources and efforts. This is clearly evidenced by the chronology of the development of the European Community.
The start of the creation of a new association was the proposal of R. Schuman (head of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of France) on its organization in the field of the use and production of steel and coal, combining the natural resources of Germany and France. This happened on May 9, 1950. In 1951, a document on the creation of the ECSC was signed in the capital of France. In addition to the aforementioned powers, it was signed by: Luxenburg, the Netherlands, Belgium, Italy.
At the beginning of 1957, the powers that are part of the ECSC signed two more agreements on the establishment of the European communities of EuroAtom, as well as the EEC. After 3 years, the EFTA association was also created.
1963 - The foundation is laid for an associated relationship between the community itself and Africa. This allowed 18 republics of the continent to fully enjoy for 5 years all the advantages of cooperation with the EEC (financial, technical, trade).
1964 - creation of a single agricultural market. At the same time, FEOGA began its activities to support the agricultural sector.
1968 - completion of the formation of the Customs Union.
Early 1973 - the list of EU countries is replenished: Great Britain, Denmark, Ireland.
1975 - EU and 46 states from different corners the globe sign a convention in the field of trade cooperation, called Lo-Meiskaya.
1979 - introduction of the EMU.
1981 - Greece joins the EU.
1986 - Spain and Portugal join the squad.
In 1990 - the adoption of the Schengen agreement.
1992 - signing of the Maastricht Treaty.
11/01/1993 - official renaming to the European Union.
1995 - the entry of Sweden, Finland, Austria.
1999 - introduction of the cashless euro.
2002 - The euro is introduced for cash payments.
2004 - the next expansion of the EU: Cyprus, Malta, Estonia, Lithuania, Latvia, Slovenia, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, Poland.
2007 - Romania and Bulgaria joined.
2013 - Croatia becomes the 28th member of the EU.
The process of development of the Eurozone has not always been and is proceeding smoothly. For example, at the end of 1985, Greenland left it, which had previously joined Denmark, but after gaining independence, the citizens of the state made an appropriate decision. In 2016, a referendum was held in the UK, in which the majority of the population (almost 52%) voted to terminate membership. At the time of writing, the British were in the early stages of leaving the union.
Today, on the map of the Eurozone, you can see states and islands that are not geographically part of Europe. This is explained by the fact that they were automatically annexed together with other states to which they belong.
As the current situation in the world shows, the countries that are members of the European Union today have different views on their membership in it and on general development prospects, especially in the light of recent events related to the decision of the UK.
Entry criteria
European countries that are not members of the European Union, but wish to become members, must take into account that there are certain criteria that they must meet. You can find out more detailed information about them from a special document called the Copenhagen Criteria. Important attention is paid here:
- principles of democracy;
- human rights;
- development of the competitiveness of the economy.
All important political decisions accepted by the Member States of the EU are subject to mandatory agreement.
To join this community, each applicant is tested for compliance with the "Copenhagen criteria". Based on the results of the check, a decision is made about the readiness of the state to add to this list or to wait.
If the decision is negative, then a list of parameters and criteria must be drawn up, which should be brought back to normal within the prescribed period. Compliance with the regulations is constantly monitored. After bringing the parameters back to normal, another study is carried out and then a summary is made whether the power is ready for membership or not.
The euro is considered the single currency in the Eurozone, but not all EU members for 2020 have adopted it on their territory. Of the 9 countries, Denmark and the UK have a special status, Sweden also does not recognize the euro as its state currency, but may change this attitude in the near future, and another 6 powers are just getting ready for introduction.
Applicants
If you look at which countries are members of the European Union, and who is currently a candidate for replenishing its ranks, then it is quite possible to expect an expansion of the association, today 5 applicants have been officially announced: Albania, Turkey, Serbia, Macedonia, and Montenegro. Among the potential ones, Bosnia and Herzegovina can be singled out. There are applicants among the states located on other continents that previously signed an association agreement: Chile, Lebanon, Egypt, Israel, Jordan, Mexico, South Africa and others.
Economic activity and its basic principles
Current economic activity on the territory of the European Union as a whole consists of the economies of individual states that are part of the association. But despite this, each country in the international market is an independent unit. The total GDP is made up of the contributed shares of each participating power. gives the right to live and work throughout the Commonwealth.
The largest percentage of income, over the past years, brought countries such as Germany, Spain, Great Britain, Italy and France. The main strategic resources are oil products, gas and coal. In terms of reserves of petroleum products, the EU ranks 14th in the world.
Another significant source of income is tourism activities. This is facilitated by a visa-free regime, lively trade relations and a single currency.
Analyzing which states are members of the European Union and who is a contender for entry, one can make various forecasts. But in any case, the integration of economies in the near future will continue and most likely more powers located on other continents will be involved.
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History of formation European Union began in 1951 with the formation of the European Coal and Steel Community (ECSC), which included six countries (Belgium, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, France and Germany). Within countries, all tariff and quantitative restrictions on trade in these goods were lifted.
March 25, 1957 signed the Treaty of Rome establishing European Economic Community(EEC) on the basis of the ECSC and the European Community for atomic energy.
In 1967, three European communities (the European Coal and Steel Community, the European Economic Community and the European Atomic Energy Community) merged to form the European Community.
On June 14, 1985, the Schengen Agreement on the free movement of goods, capital and citizens was signed - an agreement providing for the abolition of customs barriers within the European Union while simultaneously tightening control at the external borders of the EU (entered into force on March 26, 1995).
On February 7, 1992 in Maastricht (Netherlands) an agreement on the establishment of the European Union was signed (entered into force on November 1, 1993). The agreement completed the work of previous years on the settlement of monetary and political systems European countries.
In order to achieve the highest form of economic integration between the EU states, the euro was created - the single monetary unit of the EU. In a non-cash form in the territory of the EU member states, the euro was introduced from January 1, 1999, and cash banknotes - from January 1, 2002. The euro replaced the ECU - the conventional unit of account of the European Community, which was a basket of currencies of all EU member states.
The jurisdiction of the European Union includes matters relating, in particular, to the common market, the customs union, the single currency (while maintaining its own currency by some of the members), the common agricultural policy and the common fisheries policy.
The organization includes 27 European countries: Germany, France, Italy, Belgium, the Netherlands, Luxembourg, Great Britain, Denmark, Ireland, Greece, Spain, Portugal, Austria, Finland, Sweden, Hungary, Cyprus, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Poland, Slovakia, Slovenia, Czech Republic, Estonia. On January 1, 2007, Bulgaria and Romania officially joined the European Union.
Institutions of the European Union:
The highest political body of the European Union is European Council. As a summit meeting of heads of state, the Council actually determines the tasks of the Union and its relations with the member states. The sessions are chaired by the president or prime minister of the country that presides over the governing bodies of the EU in turn for six months.
The highest executive body of the European Union - European Commission (CES, Commission of the European Communities). The European Commission consists of 27 members, one from each member state. The Commission plays a major role in ensuring the day-to-day activities of the EU. Each commissioner, like the minister of the national government, is responsible for a specific area of work.
European Parliament is an assembly of 786 deputies directly elected by the citizens of EU member states for a term of five years. Deputies unite in accordance with political orientation.
The highest judicial body of the EU is European Court (official name- Court of Justice of the European Communities). The Court is composed of 27 judges (one from each of the Member States) and nine Advocates General. The Court regulates disagreements between Member States, between Member States and the European Union itself, between EU institutions, gives opinions on international agreements.
(since January 1)
Council of the European Union
(from May 8)
- General
4,892,685 km²
- Total ()
- Density
499.673.325
116.4 people/km²
- Total ()
- GDP/person
$ 17.08 10¹²
$ 39,900
signed
It entered into force
February 7
Nov. 1
(+1 to +3 during Daylight Savings Time)
(with overseas departments of France,
UTC -4 to +4)
European Union (European Union, EU listen)) is an association of 27 European states that have signed European Union Treaty(Maastricht Treaty). EU - unique international education: it combines the features of an international organization and a state, but formally it is neither one nor the other. The Union is not a subject of public international law, but has the authority to participate in international relations and plays an important role in them.
Special and Dependent Territories of EU Member States
EU territory on the world map European Union Outer regions Non-European states and territories
Special territories outside Europe that are part of the European Union:
Also, according to Article 182 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union ( Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union), member states of the European Union associate with the European Union lands and territories outside Europe which maintain special relations with:
France -
the Netherlands -
United Kingdom -
Requirements for candidates to join the EU
To join the European Union, a candidate country must meet the Copenhagen criteria. Copenhagen criteria- criteria for countries to join the European Union, which were adopted in June 1993 at a meeting of the European Council in Copenhagen and confirmed in December 1995 at a meeting of the European Council in Madrid. The criteria require that the state observe democratic principles, the principles of freedom and respect for human rights, as well as the principle of the rule of law (Art. 6, Art. 49 of the Treaty on the European Union). Also, the country must have a competitive market economy, and must recognize the common rules and standards of the EU, including commitment to the goals of political, economic and monetary union.
Story
Logo of the Czech Presidency in the first half of 2009
The ideas of pan-Europeanism, long put forward by thinkers throughout the history of Europe, sounded with particular force after the Second World War. In the post-war period, a number of organizations appeared on the continent: the Council of Europe, NATO, the Western European Union.
The first step towards the creation of a modern European Union was taken in: Germany, Belgium, the Netherlands, Luxembourg, France, Italy signed an agreement establishing the European Coal and Steel Community (ECSC, ECSC - European Coal and Steel Community), the purpose of which was the unification of European resources for the production of steel and coal, this agreement entered into force in July 1952.
In order to deepen economic integration, the same six states established (EEC, Common Market) ( EEC - European Economic Community) and (Euratom, Euratom - European Atomic Energy Community). The most important and broadest of these three European communities was the EEC, so in 1993 it was officially renamed the European Community ( EC - European Community).
The process of development and transformation of these European communities into the modern European Union took place through, firstly, the transfer of all more management functions to the supranational level and, secondly, to increase the number of integration participants.
History of EU enlargement
| Year | The country | General amount members |
|---|---|---|
| March 25, 1957 | Belgium, Germany 1, Italy, Luxembourg, Netherlands, France² | 6 |
| January 1, 1973 | UK*, Denmark ³, Ireland | 9 |
| January 1, 1981 | Greece | 10 |
| January 1, 1986 | , | 12 |
| January 1, 1995 | , Finland , Sweden | 15 |
| May 1, 2004 | Hungary, Cyprus, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Poland, Slovakia, Slovenia, Estonia | 25 |
| January 1, 2007 | Bulgaria, Romania | 27 |
Notes
² Including the overseas departments of Guadeloupe, Martinique, Réunion and French Guiana. Algeria withdrew from France (and the EU) on July 5, 1962. Saint Pierre and Miquelon was an overseas department (and part of the EU) from 1983 until 1983. Saint Barthélemy and Saint Martin, which seceded from Guadeloupe on February 22, 2007, will return to the EU after the entry into force of the Lisbon Treaty.
° In 1973 the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland (UK) joined the EU along with the Channel Islands, the Isle of Man and Gibraltar
Norway
- The first pillar of the "European Communities" combines the predecessors of the EU: the European Community (formerly the European Economic Community) and the European Atomic Energy Community (Euratom). The third organization - the European Coal and Steel Community (ECSC) - ceased to exist in 2002 in accordance with the Paris Treaty that established it.
- The second support is called "general foreign policy and security policy” (CFSP).
- The third pillar is "police and judicial cooperation in criminal matters".
With the help of "pillars" in the treaties, policy areas that fall within the competence of the EU are delimited. In addition, the pillars provide a visual representation of the role of EU member state governments and EU institutions in the decision-making process. Within the framework of the first pillar, the role of the EU institutions is decisive. Decisions here are made by the “community method”. The Community has jurisdiction over matters relating, inter alia, to the common market, the customs union, the single currency (while maintaining its own currency by some of the members), the common agricultural policy and the common fisheries policy, certain issues of migration and refugees, as well as the policy of convergence (cohesion policy ). In the second and third pillars, the role of EU institutions is minimal and decisions are made by EU member states. This method of decision-making is called intergovernmental. As a result of the Nice Treaty (2001), some issues of migration and refugees, as well as issues of ensuring gender equality in the workplace, were transferred from the second to the first pillar. Consequently, on these issues, the role of the EU institutions in relation to the EU Member States has increased.
Today, membership in the European Union, the European Community and the Euratom is unified, all states joining the Union become members of the Communities.
Chamber of Auditors
The Court of Auditors was established in 1975 to audit the EU budget and its institutions. Compound. The Chamber is composed of representatives of the member states (one from each member state). They are appointed by the Council by unanimous decision for a term of six years and are completely independent in the performance of their duties.
- verifies the income and expenditure accounts of the EU and all its institutions and bodies that have access to EU funds;
- monitors the quality of financial management;
- draws up a report on its work after the end of each financial year, as well as submits to the European Parliament and the Council conclusions or comments on individual issues;
- helps the European Parliament to control the execution of the EU budget.
Headquarters - Luxembourg.
European Central Bank
The European Central Bank was formed in 1998 from the banks of 11 EU countries that are members of the Eurozone (Germany, Spain, France, Ireland, Italy, Austria, Portugal, Finland, Belgium, the Netherlands, Luxembourg). Greece, which adopted the euro on January 1, 2001, became the twelfth country in the euro area.
In accordance with Art. 8 of the Treaty establishing the European Community was founded European System of Central Banks- a supranational financial regulatory body that brings together the European Central Bank (ECB) and the national central banks of all 27 EU member countries. The administration of the ESCB is carried out by the governing bodies of the ECB.
European Investment Bank
Created in accordance with the Treaty, on the basis of capital provided by member countries. The EIB is endowed with the functions of a commercial bank, operates on international financial markets, provides loans to government agencies of member countries.
Economic and Social Committee
(Economic and Social Committee) - an advisory body of the EU. Formed in accordance with the Treaty of Rome.
Compound. Consists of 344 members, called councillors.
Functions. Advise the Council and the Commission on EU social and economic policy issues. Represents various sectors of the economy and social groups(employers, employees and liberal professions employed in industry, agriculture, the service sector, as well as representatives of public organizations).
Members of the Committee are appointed by the Council by unanimous decision for a period of 4 years. The Committee elects a Chairman from among its members for a term of 2 years. After the admission of new states to the EU, the membership of the Committee will not exceed 350 people (see Table 2).
Location of the meetings. The Committee meets once a month in Brussels.
Committee of the Regions
(Committee of the Regions).
The Committee of the Regions is an advisory body that ensures the representation of regional and local administrations in the work of the EU. The Committee was established in accordance with the Maastricht Treaty and has been operating since March 1994.
Consists of 344 members representing regional and local authorities but completely independent in the performance of their duties. The number of members per country is the same as in the Economic and Social Committee. Candidates are approved by the Council by unanimous decision on the proposals of the Member States for a period of 4 years. The Committee elects a Chairman and other officers from among its members for a period of 2 years.
Functions. Advise the Council and the Commission and give opinions on all issues affecting the interests of the regions.
Location of the sessions. Plenary sessions are held in Brussels 5 times a year.
European Ombudsman Institute
The European Ombudsman Institute deals with citizens' complaints about the mismanagement of an EU institution or body. The decisions of this body are not binding, but have significant social and political impact.
15 specialized agencies and bodies
European monitoring center against racism and xenophobia, Europol, Eurojust.
EU law
A feature of the European Union that distinguishes it from others international organizations, is the existence of its own right, which directly regulates the relations not only of the Member States, but also of their citizens and legal entities.
EU law consists of the so-called primary, secondary and tertiary (judgments of the Court of Justice of the European Communities). Primary law - EU founding treaties; agreements amending them (revision agreements); accession treaties for new member states. Secondary law - acts issued by EU bodies. Decisions of the EU Court of Justice and other judicial bodies of the Union are widely used as case law.
EU law has direct effect on the territory of the EU countries and takes precedence over the national legislation of the states.
EU law is divided into institutional law (the rules governing the creation and functioning of EU institutions and bodies) and substantive law (the rules governing the process of implementing the goals of the EU and the EU communities). The substantive law of the EU, as well as the law of individual countries, can be divided into branches: EU customs law, EU environmental law, EU transport law, EU tax law, etc. Taking into account the structure of the EU (“three pillars”), EU law is also subdivided into the law of European communities, Schengen law, etc.
EU languages
In European institutions, 23 languages are officially used equally.
60 years have passed from the year of creation. However, a year earlier, Great Britain presented a "surprise": a national referendum revealed the desire of the British to withdraw from this interethnic organization. On March 29, 2019, the Kingdom of Great Britain will become the first and so far the only country in history to leave the European Union. What countries are in the European Union? What are its prospects?
Which countries are in the European Union? List
| № | The country | Capital | Year of entry | Head of the government |
| 1 | Austria | Vein | 1995 | Chancellor - Sebastian Kunz |
| 2 | Belgium | Brussels | 1957 | Prime Minister - Charles Michel |
| 3 | Bulgaria | Sofia | 2007 | Prime Ministers - Boyko Borisov and Tsveta Karayancheva |
| 4 | Hungary | Budapest | 2004 | Prime Minister - Viktor Orban |
| 5 | United Kingdom | London | 1973 | Prime Minister - Theresa May |
| 6 | Greece | Athens | 1981 | Prime Minister - Alexis Tsipras |
| 7 | Germany | Berlin | 1957 | Chancellor - Angela Merkel |
| 8 | Denmark | Copenhagen | 1973 | Prime Minister - Lars Rasmussen |
| 9 | Italy | Rome | 1957 | Prime Minister - Giuseppe Conte |
| 10 | Ireland | Dublin | 1973 | Prime Minister - Leo Wardkar |
| 11 | Spain | Madrid | 1986 | Prime Minister - Pedro Sanchez |
| 12 | Cyprus | Nicosia | 2004 | President - Nikos Anastasiades |
| 13 | Luxembourg | Luxembourg | 1957 | Prime Minister - Xavier Bettel |
| 14 | Latvia | Riga | 2004 | Prime Minister - Maris Kuchinskis |
| 15 | Lithuania | Vilnius | 2004 | Prime Minister - Saulius Skvernelis |
| 16 | Malta | La Valletta | 2004 | Prime Minister - Joseph Muscat |
| 17 | Netherlands (Holland) | Amsterdam | 1957 | Prime Minister - Mark Rügge |
| 18 | Portugal | Lisbon | 1986 | Prime Minister - António Costa |
| 19 | Poland | Warsaw | 2004 | Prime Minister - Mateusz Morawiecki |
| 20 | Romania | Bucharest | 2007 | Prime Minister - Viorica Dancila |
| 21 | Slovenia | Ljubljana | 2004 | Prime Minister - Miroslav Cerar |
| 22 | Slovakia | Bratislava | 2004 | Prime Minister - Peter Pellegrini |
| 23 | France | Paris | 1957 | Prime Minister - Edward Philip |
| 24 | Finland | Helsinki | 1995 | Prime Minister - Juha Sipilä |
| 25 | Croatia | Zagreb | 2013 | Prime Minister - Andrei Plenkovich |
| 26 | Czech Republic | Prague | 2004 | Prime Minister - Andrei Bibish |
| 27 | Sweden | Stockholm | 1995 | Prime Minister - Stefan Leven |
| 28 | Estonia | Tallinn | 2004 | Prime Minister - Jüri Ratas |
By compiling such a table, we, I think, have answered the question of how many countries and which ones are included in the European Union.
"Non-European" European Union
But the European Union also includes those not located within Europe, the following overseas territories of the EU countries that have a special status are:
Despite these precedents, the EU does not include the equivalent territories of Great Britain, Holland and Denmark.
eurosceptics
However, this is not surprising. After all, even not everyone aspires to become its members. Northerners-Scandinavians treat him coldly. For example, Sweden and Denmark did not completely switch to the euro, retaining their national currencies. What Scandinavian country is not part of the European Union? There are even two of them - Norway and Iceland. Norway was not satisfied with the restrictions imposed by the entry conditions, although the country applied for participation three times. Today, Norway is part of other European agreements like the Schengen one, but no more. For Iceland, this is not a relevant issue at all. Especially after the negotiations that have already taken place.
The eternally neutral Switzerland is also not a member of the European Union. The government was thinking about joining, but the population in the 1992 referendum clearly said: "No!". Belarus and Russia are Euroskeptics and do not look to the West.
The dwarf Andorra, Monaco, San Marino and Liechtenstein do not consider the prospects of becoming "unified Europeans". But, however, does not prevent those who wish to connect. These are the Balkan countries.
"School" of the European Union
Here is a list of countries that have an association agreement with here - candidates for joining it. But the association is much broader than Europe.
| The country | Capital | part of the world | Year of signing the contract | Head of the government |
| Albania | Tirana | Europe | 2009 | Chairman - Edi Rama |
| Algeria | Algeria | Africa | 2005 | Prime Minister - Ahmed Ouyahya |
| Bosnia and Herzegovina | Sarajevo | Europe | 2008 | Chairman - Denis Zvizdich |
| Georgia | Tbilisi | Asia | 2014 | Prime Minister - Mamuka Bakhtadze |
| Egypt | Cairo | Africa | 2004 | Prime Minister - Sherif Ismail |
| Israel | Tel Aviv | Asia | 2000 | Prime Minister - Benjamin Netanyahu |
| Jordan | Amman | Asia | 2002 | Prime Minister - Hani Al-Mulki |
| Canada | Ottawa | America | 2013 | Prime Minister - Justin Trudeau |
| Kosovo | Pristina | Europe | 2015 | Prime Minister - Ramos Haradinaj |
| Lebanon | Beirut | Asia | 2006 | Prime Minister - Saad Hariri |
| Macedonia | Skopje | Europe | 2001 | Prime Minister - Zoran Zaev |
| Morocco | Rabat | Africa | 2000 | Prime Minister - Saad ad-Din Al-Osmani |
| Moldova | Kishinev | Europe | 2014 | Prime Minister - Pavel Filip |
| Mexico | mexico city | America | 2000 | President - Enrique Peña Nieto |
| Serbia | Belgrade | Europe | 2011 | Prime Minister - Ana Brnabic |
| Tunisia | Tunisia | Africa | 1998 | Prime Minister - Yousef Shahed |
| Turkey | Ankara | Europe Asia | 1963 | President - Recep Tayyip Erdogan |
| Ukraine | Kyiv | Europe | 2014 | Prime Minister - Volodymyr Groysman |
| Montenegro | Podgorica | Europe | 2010 | Prime Minister - Dusko Markovic |
| Chile | Santiago | America | 2003 | President - Sebastian Piñera |
| South Africa | Pretoria | Africa | 2000 | President - Cyril Ramaphosa |
These are the countries that are included in the "school" of the European Union. After all, in order to become a member, you need to meet the requirements put forward, that is, in fact, to undergo training and pass "exams".
Three graduates
Today Albania, Macedonia, Serbia, Montenegro, Turkey, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo are passing it. In Tirana and Skopje, they are still frozen at the stage of the middle "classes": they have the status of candidates. Belgrade, Podgorica and Ankara are on the "release": they are negotiating with Brussels (the capital of the European Union). Moreover, the Turkish "repeated" has been doing this for almost ten years (since 1999), but it is constantly failing in the "exams". In Sarajevo and Pristina - "junior students". The former have just applied for membership, while the latter have so far only verbally announced their intentions.
Changes are also possible in the opposite direction. For example, there is talk of an "anti-European Union" referendum in Holland.
So perhaps the answer to the question "which countries are part of the European Union?" in a few decades it will sound completely different. The composition may change.
Which countries were the first to join the European Union?
The history of the creation of this national association goes back to 1951, when Germany, France, Luxembourg, Belgium, Holland and Italy established the European Coal and Steel Community, designed to improve the development of these
In 1957, these same countries decided to expand the "platform" to the EEC (European Economic Community). Now cooperation concerned not only metallurgy and coal mining and everything else. Then the answer to the question of which countries are members of the European Union was short. In the 60s, trade duties between the member countries of the Union were removed. And then there were: 1973, 1981, 1986, 1995, 2004, 2007, 2013. During these years, other countries joined the European Union. The European Union worked to its fullest in the period from 1995 to 1999, when the "Schengen zone" became not a project, but a reality, when a new common European currency, the "euro", was put into circulation, when supranational political bodies authorities.
Should the European Union be?
Unfortunately, recent developments in the world economy and politics have added weighty grams to the scales of Eurosceptics. The global financial crisis, poorly controlled migration of the population from the war-torn and unrest-ridden Libya and Syria to the EU countries, chronic lagging behind the northerners of the economy and social institutions southerners who cannot be overcome in any way, the default in Greece, the difficulties of the newcomers to the European Union, who hoped for their quick the economic growth, and not stagnation, or, in general, degradation. They added problems and sanctions against Russia, because significant volumes of entire sectors of the economy of the EU countries were oriented to the east.
The Europeans are also apprehensive about the statement of US President Donald Trump about a possible review of relations within the NATO military bloc. Create your own army? For what money? Who will command her?
Nietzsche knows
Now the EU is in crisis, and this is good for him. "What doesn't kill us makes us stronger" - German philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche used to say. Today is a challenge for the European Union, if it survives it, it will become much stronger than it was before.
Should the European Union be? Time will tell, but it's unlikely to collapse overnight. Its backbone - the same six founding countries - have done and are doing everything so that the European Union lives and develops.
In 2016, many people around the world learned the word Brexit. This was the name of the possible withdrawal of Great Britain from the European Union, about which a referendum was held in the country on June 23 of the same year. But what now? Is the UK a member of the European Union, what are its relations with the united Europe? Let's try to figure it out.
Composition of the state
The United or United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, an island nation in northwestern Europe, is a rather unusual territorial arrangement country. It is unitary, while the constituent parts, which are England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, enjoy a very wide autonomy.
England
The largest and most famous part of the United Kingdom. Actually, when they talk about England, they often mean the whole of Great Britain. Most of the population of the United Kingdom lives here, its main attractions and industrial enterprises. It is in England that one of the oldest higher educational institutions planets - and the capital of Great Britain - London.
Scotland
A mountainous country known for castles, whiskey, the Loch Ness monster and colorful locals. Less well known is the fact that its territory includes about eight hundred islands, of which about three hundred are uninhabitable. In 2014, an independence referendum was held in Scotland, where opponents of secession from the UK won by a small margin.
Wales
Perhaps the least known part of the UK. Meanwhile, it boasts a large number of castles - there are about six hundred of them. In Wales, two official languages are recognized - English and Welsh, the latter being one of the oldest on the planet.
Northern Ireland
Located in the northeast of the island of Ireland. The smallest part of the United Kingdom. It should not be confused with the Republic of Ireland, which is independent state. official languages this area, in addition to English, are Ulster-Scottish and Irish. In addition to the Celtic color, its natural beauty is remarkable.
Which countries are in the European Union
The idea of a united Europe began to take hold of the minds after the bloody Second World War. Nevertheless, the European nations had a long way to go before political unification. At the moment, the European Union is not a state, it is only a political and economic association, which includes 28 member states:
- Denmark;
- France;
- Hungary;
- Belgium;
- Austria;
- Italy;
- Greece;
- Ireland;
- Spain;
- Germany;
- Cyprus;
- Latvia;
- Poland;
- Bulgaria;
- Lithuania;
- Malta;
- Slovenia;
- Slovakia;
- Finland;
- Luxembourg;
- Estonia;
- Romania;
- Croatia;
- Portugal;
- Czech Republic;
- Netherlands;
- Sweden.
Each member of the EU delegates part of its powers to the union bodies, while maintaining sovereignty. Within the framework of this organization, there are various agreements that may unite all participating countries, or may only some of them. An example of the latter is the Eurozone, which includes 19 states that have abandoned their national money in favor of the euro. Great Britain is not among them, its currency is still the pound sterling.
UK and EU today
On January 1, 1973, when Great Britain joined the EU, or rather the European Economic Community that preceded the current European Union, British politicians rejoiced at the long-awaited success. The fact is that the country was there only the third time. The first two applications were rejected due to a veto by French President de Gaulle.
Returning to the question of whether the UK is in the EU or not, in 2019 we can give an unequivocal answer: the United Kingdom is a member of the European Union. Nevertheless, with a high degree of certainty, we can say that she has been there for the last year. In 2016, a nationwide referendum was held, at which Her Majesty's subjects decided whether or not to be part of the association. The supporters of secession won with a minimal margin, motivating their position by the economic unprofitability of membership in the organization. The exit of the country from the EU is scheduled for March 2019.
Is it in Schengen
For those who wish to visit the country of the Beatles and Sherlock Holmes, the question will be relevant: is England included in the Schengen or not. In 2019, a British visa will be required to enter the United Kingdom. The fact is that the UK is not part of the Schengen area. The process of obtaining a visa begins with the preparation of a questionnaire, which must be filled out on the embassy website. It must be printed, certified with your signature and pasted in a photograph in the place provided for this. Next you will need:
- international passport, the validity of which must expire no earlier than six months after the end of the trip;
- one more photo;
- a certificate from work, which contains information about the position and monthly income (for a pensioner - a pension certificate).
