So you're wondering about the European Union what countries actually belong to this club? Honestly, I get this question all the time – even from friends planning trips or considering work abroad. It’s way more than just France and Germany, and keeping track feels like trying to count waves at the beach. Last year when my cousin was applying for a study visa, we spent hours confused about whether Croatia was fully in or not. Let’s clear this up properly.
The Full List: All 27 EU Member Countries Right Now
As of 2024, there are exactly 27 countries holding membership cards to the European Union. If anyone tells you 28, they're probably thinking pre-Brexit. Here's the real deal:
| Country | Joined EU | Uses Euro? | In Schengen? | Population (approx) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Austria | 1995 | Yes | Yes | 9.1 million |
| Belgium | Founder (1958) | Yes | Yes | 11.7 million |
| Bulgaria | 2007 | No (lev) | No (applying) | 6.8 million |
| Croatia | 2013 | Yes (2023) | Yes (2023) | 4 million |
| Cyprus | 2004 | Yes | No (de facto open) | 1.2 million |
| Czech Republic | 2004 | No (koruna) | Yes | 10.5 million |
| Denmark | 1973 | No (krone) | Yes (opt-out) | 5.9 million |
| Estonia | 2004 | Yes | Yes | 1.3 million |
| Finland | 1995 | Yes | Yes | 5.6 million |
| France | Founder (1958) | Yes | Yes | 67.8 million |
| Germany | Founder (1958) | Yes | Yes | 83.3 million |
| Greece | 1981 | Yes | Yes | 10.4 million |
| Hungary | 2004 | No (forint) | Yes | 9.6 million |
| Ireland | 1973 | Yes | No (opt-out) | 5.1 million |
| Italy | Founder (1958) | Yes | Yes | 59 million |
| Latvia | 2004 | Yes | Yes | 1.9 million |
| Lithuania | 2004 | Yes | Yes | 2.8 million |
| Luxembourg | Founder (1958) | Yes | Yes | 650,000 |
| Malta | 2004 | Yes | Yes | 520,000 |
| Netherlands | Founder (1958) | Yes | Yes | 17.8 million |
| Poland | 2004 | No (złoty) | Yes | 37.8 million |
| Portugal | 1986 | Yes | Yes | 10.3 million |
| Romania | 2007 | No (leu) | No (applying) | 19 million |
| Slovakia | 2004 | Yes | Yes | 5.4 million |
| Slovenia | 2004 | Yes | Yes | 2.1 million |
| Spain | 1986 | Yes | Yes | 47.5 million |
| Sweden | 1995 | No (krona) | Yes | 10.5 million |
Note: Founders refer to original members of European Economic Community (EEC), EU's predecessor.
Why Membership Changes Matter (Especially Post-Brexit)
After Britain left in 2020, I noticed tons of confusion. People still ask if the UK needs visas for Spain. Nope – that ship has sailed. Here's what changed:
Brexit Impact Snapshot:
- Travel rules: UK passport holders now limited to 90 days in EU within 180-day period
- Work permits: Required for UK citizens working in EU countries
- Customs: Goods moving between UK and EU face border checks
- Data roaming: No longer guaranteed free (check your mobile plan!)
Honestly, the paperwork I saw friends deal with when moving goods from London to Amsterdam last year? Nightmare fuel. Pro tip: always double-check current rules at europa.eu.
Countries That Almost Joined (Or Might Soon)
It's not just about current members. When researching european union what countries could join, these are the main contenders:
| Country | Status | Sticking Points | Probable Entry |
|---|---|---|---|
| Albania | Candidate | Judicial reforms, corruption | 2030+ |
| Montenegro | Candidate | Rule of law, organized crime | 2025-2028 |
| North Macedonia | Candidate | Name dispute resolved, reforms | 2026-2030 |
| Serbia | Candidate | Kosovo relations, reforms | 2027+ |
| Turkey | Candidate (since 1999!) | Human rights, Cyprus dispute | Frozen indefinitely |
| Ukraine | Candidate (2022) | War reconstruction, reforms | 2030s at earliest |
Funny story – when I visited Montenegro's coast last summer, every cafe owner asked when they'd get the euro. They're prepping hard for EU life.
Key Practical Things EU Membership Actually Does
Beyond political jargon, here's what being in the European Union means for real people:
Freedom to Move and Work
As an EU citizen, you can:
- Work in any member country without permits
- Reside anywhere in the EU long-term
- Access local healthcare systems
- Transfer pensions across borders
My Dutch friend moved to Malta on a whim last year. No visas, no paperwork. Just packed and went.
The Eurozone vs Schengen – What Tourists Mix Up
Biggest confusion I see? People assume all EU countries use the euro. Not true.
| Group | What It Means | Members |
|---|---|---|
| Eurozone | Countries using the euro currency | 20 of 27 EU members |
| Schengen Area | Border-free travel zone | 23 of 27 EU members + 4 non-EU |
| EU Customs Union | No tariffs on goods moving internally | All 27 members |
Annoying reality check: Switzerland isn't in the EU but is in Schengen. Croatia joined both Schengen and Eurozone in 2023 – their border police told me the transition was chaotic but worth it.
Navigating Common EU Travel Headaches
Based on my own misadventures:
Border Crossing Tips
- Carry passport always (even within Schengen, police can check)
- Non-Schengen to Schengen zone? Expect full immigration (e.g., flying from UK to Spain)
- Bulgaria/Romania land borders? Still show passports despite EU membership
Money Savers
- In eurozone? Withdraw cash in bulk to avoid ATM fees
- Eastern EU countries like Hungary still use forints – exchange rates matter
- Use Revolut or Wise for cheaper currency conversion
Countries That Said "No Thanks" to EU Membership
Ever wonder why places like Norway or Switzerland aren't on the list? They've got deals:
| Country | Relationship | Key Benefits They Keep | Downsides |
|---|---|---|---|
| Norway | EEA Member | Access to single market, keeps oil revenue | Must follow EU laws without voting rights |
| Switzerland | Bilateral deals | Control immigration, banking secrecy | Complex patchwork of agreements |
| Iceland | EEA Member | Fishing rights protection | Small influence on regulations |
Met a Swiss businessman in Zurich who complained about constantly updating compliance for EU trade. "We follow the rules anyway," he shrugged.
Quick Answers to Top European Union What Countries Questions
Is the UK still part of the European Union?
No. Officially left January 31, 2020. Brexit transition ended December 31, 2020.
Does "Europe" mean the same as "European Union"?
Nope. Europe = geographic continent (includes UK, Norway, etc.). EU = political/economic group.
Why isn't Turkey in the EU yet?
Decades-long disputes over Cyprus, human rights concerns, and political resistance within existing EU countries.
Can EU citizens vote in other member states?
In local and European Parliament elections – yes. National elections – generally no.
Which EU country is cheapest to visit?
Based on my backpacking trips: Bulgaria, Romania, and Hungary offer best value currently.
How Membership Actually Works: Joining and Leaving
Getting in isn't quick. Croatia's process took 10 years. Steps include:
- Apply formally
- Get "candidate status"
- Negotiate 35 policy chapters (everything from environment to finance)
- Unanimous approval from all current members
Leaving? Just ask Britain. Took 4+ years of messy negotiations even with a "deal".
Personal Opinion Time: After traveling to 22 EU countries, I think expansion fatigue is real. Adding more members without reforming decision-making? Recipe for gridlock. But keeping Ukraine out feels morally wrong during war.
Why Getting This Right Matters for You
Whether you're:
- Planning a multi-country Europe trip
- Considering work relocation
- Shipping products across borders
- Just curious about current geopolitics
...knowing exactly what countries are in the European Union saves time, money, and hassle. Trust me – border agents don't accept "But I Googled it!" as an excuse.
Final tip? Bookmark the official EU country list. It updates faster than most blogs when changes happen (looking at you, Croatia!).
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