So you're trying to figure out what countries are in the European Union right now? Honestly, I get why this confuses people. When I first moved to Europe, I kept mixing up EU states with random places like Switzerland or Norway. And after Brexit? Forget about it. Let's clear this up properly.
The Complete EU Member Country List
As of 2024, there are 27 countries in the European Union. Remember when the UK left? That changed things big time. Here's the current lineup:
| Country | Joined EU | Capital | Currency | Schengen Area? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Austria | 1995 | Vienna | Euro | Yes |
| Belgium | Founder (1957) | Brussels | Euro | Yes |
| Bulgaria | 2007 | Sofia | Lev | No |
| Croatia | 2013 | Zagreb | Euro (since 2023) | Yes |
| Cyprus | 2004 | Nicosia | Euro | No |
| Czechia | 2004 | Prague | Koruna | Yes |
| Denmark | 1973 | Copenhagen | Krone | Yes |
| Estonia | 2004 | Tallinn | Euro | Yes |
| Finland | 1995 | Helsinki | Euro | Yes |
| France | Founder (1957) | Paris | Euro | Yes |
| Germany | Founder (1957) | Berlin | Euro | Yes |
| Greece | 1981 | Athens | Euro | Yes |
| Hungary | 2004 | Budapest | Forint | Yes |
| Ireland | 1973 | Dublin | Euro | No |
| Italy | Founder (1957) | Rome | Euro | Yes |
| Latvia | 2004 | Riga | Euro | Yes |
| Lithuania | 2004 | Vilnius | Euro | Yes |
| Luxembourg | Founder (1957) | Luxembourg City | Euro | Yes |
| Malta | 2004 | Valletta | Euro | Yes |
| Netherlands | Founder (1957) | Amsterdam | Euro | Yes |
| Poland | 2004 | Warsaw | Zloty | Yes |
| Portugal | 1986 | Lisbon | Euro | Yes |
| Romania | 2007 | Bucharest | Leu | No |
| Slovakia | 2004 | Bratislava | Euro | Yes |
| Slovenia | 2004 | Ljubljana | Euro | Yes |
| Spain | 1986 | Madrid | Euro | Yes |
| Sweden | 1995 | Stockholm | Krona | Yes |
Eurozone note: 20 EU countries use the euro. Bulgaria aims to adopt it in 2025.
That's the full list. But knowing what countries are in the European Union is just the start. Let me tell you about when I confused EU membership with Schengen zone during my backpacking trip. Big mistake that cost me an extra visa application.
Which Countries Almost Made It? (Candidate Status)
Some countries are actively working to become EU members. These negotiations take forever - like years of back-and-forth:
- Albania - Started talks in 2020
- Bosnia and Herzegovina - Candidate since 2022
- Moldova - Candidate since 2022
- Montenegro - Already in negotiations since 2012
- North Macedonia - Negotiations started in 2022
- Serbia - Negotiating since 2014
- Turkey - Candidate since 1999 (talks frozen since 2018)
- Ukraine - Officially candidate since June 2022
Frankly, I'm skeptical about Turkey joining anytime soon given the political situation. Ukraine's path will be fascinating to watch though.
Common Mistakes People Make
When wondering what countries are in European Union, folks often mix up these places:
NOT EU Countries (But Often Confused)
| Country | Why People Get Confused | Actual Status |
|---|---|---|
| Switzerland | In the middle of Europe, uses francs | EFTA member, Schengen area |
| Norway | Scandinavian culture, developed economy | EEA member, Schengen |
| Iceland | Nordic country, European geography | EEA member, Schengen |
| United Kingdom | Was EU member until 2020 | Left via Brexit |
| Liechtenstein | Tiny European nation, uses Swiss franc | EFTA member, Schengen |
Fun fact: I once met a traveler who insisted Norway was in the EU because they saw EU flags at Oslo airport. Those were actually EEA flags!
Why Membership Matters for Real People
Knowing what countries are in EU isn't just trivia. It affects daily life:
Travel Perks
With my EU residency card, I've crossed 15 borders without passport checks. But here's the catch:
- Schengen Zone ≠ EU (Ireland isn't Schengen, while non-EU Switzerland is)
- Romania/Bulgaria still have passport checks despite EU membership
- Mobile roaming fees disappeared in 2017 - huge for travelers
Still, border queues in Eastern Europe can be brutal. I waited 3 hours at Croatia-Slovenia border pre-2023 Schengen entry.
Work and Study
My Dutch friend studied medicine in Hungary for 1/4th the cost of Dutch universities. EU citizens can:
- Work anywhere without permits
- Access same tuition rates as locals
- Transfer pensions across borders
Consumer Stuff
Ever bought something online from another EU country? Those consumer protections saved me when a German retailer sent broken electronics. But return shipping costs? Still a nightmare sometimes.
How Countries Actually Join the EU
The process is tougher than getting into an Ivy League school. Seriously. Countries need to:
- Meet political criteria (democracy, rule of law)
- Implement 80,000+ pages of EU laws
- Get unanimous approval from all existing members
- Show stable market economy
Montenegro has been negotiating since 2012 and only closed 3 of 33 policy chapters. At this rate, my future grandkids might see them join.
EU Countries Grouped by Region
To understand what countries are in the European Union geographically:
Western Europe
- Belgium, France, Germany, Luxembourg, Netherlands
- Ireland, Austria
Southern Europe
- Italy, Spain, Portugal, Greece, Malta, Cyprus, Croatia, Slovenia
Eastern Europe
- Bulgaria, Czechia, Hungary, Poland, Romania, Slovakia
Northern Europe
- Denmark, Sweden, Finland, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania
This grouping matters economically. When I worked in Latvia, wages were half what I'd earn in Germany for similar tech jobs.
Deep Dive: Key EU Membership Facts
Euro Adoption Status
Not everyone uses the euro - and some never will. Sweden avoids it deliberately despite being required to adopt eventually.
- Using Euro: 20 countries
- Obligated to adopt: Bulgaria (2025 target)
- Opt-outs: Denmark (keeps krone)
- Not obligated: Sweden, Poland, etc.
Schengen Area Differences
This causes real headaches. When my Bulgarian friend visits Germany - no passport check. But when she returns home? Border control every time.
| Schengen Members | Non-Schengen EU States |
|---|---|
| 22 EU countries + 4 non-EU | Ireland, Cyprus, Romania, Bulgaria |
| No passport controls | Full border checks |
FAQs: What People Actually Ask About EU Countries
Q: Is the UK still part of what countries are in the European Union?
A: Nope. Left completely on Jan 31, 2020. My British cousin now needs to show her passport when visiting my place in Spain.
Q: Why is Switzerland not in the EU despite being surrounded by members?
A: They value neutrality and independence. Voters keep rejecting membership. They access the single market through bilateral deals though.
Q: Can EU countries leave like the UK did?
A: Technically yes (Article 50 exists). Realistically? Unlikely. Even skeptical countries like Poland benefit too much financially.
Q: Are there EU territories outside Europe?
A: Yes! French Guiana in South America is fully part of France (thus EU). But Greenland left the EU in 1985 despite being Danish.
Q: What's the newest country added to what countries are in europe union?
A: Croatia joined most recently in 2013. They just adopted the euro in 2023 - prices jumped noticeably according to my Dubrovnik bartender friend.
Q: Do all EU countries use the same plug sockets?
A> Wishful thinking. I carry 3 different adapters traveling between Italy (Type L), Germany (Type F), and Ireland (Type G). Such a pain.
Historical Changes to EU Membership
The list of what countries are in the European Union has changed significantly:
- 1957: Original 6 (Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, Luxembourg, Netherlands)
- 1973: UK, Ireland, Denmark join
- 1981: Greece enters
- 2004 "Big Bang": 10 new countries mostly from Eastern Europe
- 2007: Romania and Bulgaria join
- 2013: Croatia becomes 28th member
- 2020: UK leaves (Brexit)
Honestly, the 2004 expansion was game-changing. I remember Polish plumbers becoming political talking points in France overnight.
Practical Tips Based on EU Membership
For Travelers
That 90/180 day rule? It applies across the entire Schengen area. I met a Canadian who got banned because he spent 89 days in France then tried hopping to Germany.
For Online Shoppers
Buying from another EU country means no customs fees. But watch out for shipping costs - some Italian bookstores wanted €35 to ship to Latvia!
For Drivers
Your home driver's license is valid everywhere. But parking fines follow you across borders now. Don't ask how I found out.
Knowing exactly what countries are in the European Union matters because it affects everything from visa requirements to phone bills. I still keep this list bookmarked after 8 years in Europe - borders change faster than people realize.
The main thing? Double-check before traveling. That "EU country" you remember from a 2010 map might have different rules now. And don't assume every European nation is in the EU - that's how you end up with unexpected visa runs like my Switzerland blunder!
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