The European Union (EU) is an economic and political union of 27 member states located primarily in Europe. However, it’s worth noting that not all European countries are part of the EU. So, how many countries are there in the EU? Let’s dive into this and explore the membership of the European Union.

As of 2021, there are 27 member countries in the EU. The most recent addition to the bloc was Croatia, which joined in 2013. The member states are diverse, representing a range of cultures, languages, and economies. To become a member, countries must meet specific criteria, including democratic governance, a functioning market economy, and the ability to adhere to EU laws and regulations.

The EU membership has expanded over the years. It began with just six founding members in 1951, namely Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, Luxembourg, and the Netherlands. In 1973, the United Kingdom, Denmark, and Ireland joined the union, followed by Greece in 1981 and Spain and Portugal in 1986.

The EU further expanded in the 1990s following the fall of the Berlin Wall and the end of the Cold War, which led to the reunification of Germany and opportunities for other European countries to join. Austria, Finland, and Sweden became EU members in 1995, bringing the total count to 15.

In 2004, the largest round of expansion took place, with ten countries joining the EU. This wave included Cyprus, the Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Poland, Slovakia, and Slovenia. Additionally, the Mediterranean island of Malta and the island of Gozo became part of the EU.

Two years later, in 2007, Bulgaria and Romania joined the EU, increasing the number of member states to 27. These two countries were the latest in the southeastern region of Europe to join the union.

Since then, several other countries have expressed interest in EU membership. These include aspiring candidates such as Albania, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Serbia, and Turkey. However, negotiations and assessments of their readiness to join the EU are ongoing.

It is essential to note the distinction between the European Union and the wider continent of Europe. The EU does not include all European countries. For instance, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, and Liechtenstein are European countries that are not part of the EU, although some have entered into agreements with the union to promote economic cooperation and freedom of movement.

Another important point to mention is that the EU has faced challenges over the years. The United Kingdom, one of the key members, voted to leave the EU in June 2016, a process known as Brexit. The departure of the UK from the EU took place on January 31, 2020, with the two sides having reached a trade deal that governs their future relationship.

In conclusion, the European Union currently consists of 27 member countries. However, there are still European countries that are not part of the EU and others aiming to join in the future. The EU continues to evolve, adapting to new geopolitical challenges and striving to promote peace, democracy, and economic prosperity among its member states.

Quest'articolo è stato scritto a titolo esclusivamente informativo e di divulgazione. Per esso non è possibile garantire che sia esente da errori o inesattezze, per cui l’amministratore di questo Sito non assume alcuna responsabilità come indicato nelle note legali pubblicate in Termini e Condizioni
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