Europe has become a pioneer on the path of integration development. It was the first among the world's regions to form a single economic space, the European Union, on the basis of mutually beneficial cooperation.
The European Union officially unites 28 states. List of countries included in the EU today:
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Which countries are part of the European Union
In addition to EU member states, it includes satellite territories of the main states (Aland Islands - Finland, Azores - Portugal, etc.).
Some European countries have signed special agreements with the EU and participate in its activities in certain areas. Partnerships have been established with Norway, Iceland, and Liechtenstein. They introduced the Schengen Agreement on their territories. Thanks to this, citizens of these states move freely throughout Europe. In turn, residents of EU countries can freely visit Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway. The treaty between the EU and the Swiss Confederation operates in a similar way.
EU candidates
- Türkiye - since 1987
- Macedonia - since 2004
- Montenegro - since 2008
- Albania - since 2009
- Serbia - since 2009
Possible applicant for admission in integration education is Bosnia and Herzegovina, as well as Kosovo. Associative relations in 2014 were consolidated with a number of states in Eastern Europe and Transcaucasia (Moldova, Ukraine, Georgia). They will be able to apply for membership in the future.
However, in 2014, the leaders of the European Union spoke out against holding integration processes in the near future. There are no plans to build up the European partnership until 2019.
Among the candidate countries, Macedonia and Albania have a real chance of being included in the European integration group. Turkey's request has already been rejected several times, due to failure to comply with a number of necessary requirements. In addition, it has significant differences in geolocation, ethnocultural and civilizational relations with other EU members. Satisfying the applications of Bosnia and Herzegovina, as well as Kosovo, is not possible due to their uncertain international status and the existence of controversial territorial issues with other states.
At various times, countries that were geographically very remote from the Old World declared their desire to join the single European space: Chile, Lebanon, Egypt, Jordan, Israel, Mexico, South Africa. However, their declarative appeals have no real basis.
Requirements for joining the European Union
To join the integration union, the applicant country must meet certain requirements. They were first outlined in 1993, in the capital of Denmark - Copenhagen. The so-called Copenhagen criteria include:
- Following the principles of democratic development.
- Compliance with legal and humanitarian standards.
- The presence of real economic growth.
Compliance with these requirements is comprehensively studied, an overall assessment is made, and recommendations are made. If a candidate country fails to comply with the requirements within the prescribed period, its enrollment will be delayed.
History of integration processes in Europe
For the first time the idea of the possibility of integration within Europe was expressed in Paris at a conference in 1867. The real implementation of the project began almost a century later. The impetus for the formation of a new international association was the initiative of R. Schumann to consolidate the efforts of France and Germany in the field of coal and steel production. To this end, in 1951 the creation of the European Coal and Steel Organization was announced. Subsequently, it served as the foundation for the development of the European Union.
Members of the ECSC are: France, Germany, Benelux, Italy. In 1957, they concluded an agreement on the work of the EEC (European Economic Community) and Euroatom. In 1993, the EEC was modified into the EU.
Over 60 years (from 1957 to 2018) The European Union has undergone a significant transformation: the number of member countries has increased almost 5 times; Geographically, the EU covers most of Europe.
The joining of new countries to the integration grouping is called “waves”. In the history of EU enlargement, the following “waves” are distinguished:
1st (1973) – United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, Republic of Ireland and Kingdom of Denmark
2nd (1081) – Greek Republic
3rd (1986) – Kingdom of Spain and Portuguese Republic
4th (1995) - Kingdom of Sweden, Republic of Austria, Finland
5th (2004) - Hungary, Republic of Cyprus, Republic of Latvia, Republic of Lithuania, Republic of Malta, Republic of Poland, Slovak Republic, Republic of Slovenia, Czech Republic and Republic of Estonia
6th (2007) - Romania, Republic of Bulgaria
7th (2013) - Republic of Croatia
The list displays the join order countries to the EU zone (formerly EEC).
How the Eurozone works
The modern structure of the European Union is based on an agreement developed in 1992 in the Dutch city of Maastricht. Its main parameters are:
- the formation of an international association with common guidelines in the field of economics, politics and currency relations;
- development of a common market for goods and services, ensured by the unhindered movement of production products;
- coordination of joint efforts in the environmental field;
- joint fight against crime.
The agreement came into force on November 1. Its real consequences were the establishment of a single currency for countries, the euro, and the creation of visa-free travel (Schengen zone).
Exit from the EU
Along with the desire of many countries join the EU, there are supporters of disintegration. In 2009, an agreement was initialed in Lisbon, regulating, among other things, the procedure for leaving the European Union. The procedure provides for holding a national referendum. If more than half of citizens vote in favor of secession from the EU, a special mechanism begins to operate.
Used the right to secede Great Britain. In the summer of 2016, the kingdom held a plebiscite known as Brexit. Over 30 million citizens of the United Kingdom took part in it. Almost 52% of survey participants were in favor of leaving the EU. Most “Eurosceptics” live in England and Wales, while residents of Northern Ireland and Scotland are supporters of European integration who do not want to be cut off from the rest of Europe. Britain's final exit is declared for 2019.
The current situation cannot be assessed unambiguously. On the one hand, a dangerous precedent will be created. It can be used by other countries that are members of the EU and are dissatisfied with the policies pursued within the framework of a united Europe. On the other hand, the consolidation of member countries will increase, aimed at strengthening relationships within the EU.
Europe- part of the Eurasian continent, washed by two oceans at once - the Arctic and the Atlantic.
The area of the EU is approximately 10 million square meters. The population accounts for approximately 10% of the total population of the planet, which is approximately 740 million people.
General information
How many parts are there in Europe:
- Northern Europe;
- Southern Europe;
- Eastern Europe;
- Central Europe.
Depending on existing opinions, European countries can be classified as one part of it or another.
The highest point in Europe is Mount Elbrus, whose height reaches 5642 m. The lowest point is the Caspian Sea, whose height is currently approximately 27 m.
The main territory is dominated by flat terrain, and only 17% of all Europe is mountainous. The climate of most of Europe is temperate. But in the north of the territory there are glaciers, and in the Caspian lowland there is desert.
Europe is the region with the greatest cultural diversity, despite its small territory.
Eastern Europe
The European part of Eurasia, located within the borders of central and eastern Europe, is usually referred to as Eastern Europe.
Lives in this area larger number people than in other European regions, and occupies about 2/3 of Europe.
The bulk of the population are people of Slavic appearance. Due to political actions, the territory is constantly subject to change.
So, in Soviet time, the countries of the USSR were included in Eastern Europe, but after the collapse of the Soviet Union, some countries separated and began to be considered foreign.
The climate here is drier and less warm. However, the soils of this part of Europe are much more fertile than those of Western Europe. IN Eastern Europe the most a large number of black soils all over the world.
Eastern Europe is the closest part of the Old World to Russia in spirit and territory. The plane flight will not take more than two hours. You can even go on vacation to nearby countries while driving your own car.
Habitual climate and native language will be a pleasant bonus for those who decide to spend their holidays in Eastern European countries.
Western Europe is the territory in which all Western European countries are located. Typically, this includes countries that are connected to each other along cultural and geographical principles, and that were able to escape Soviet influence during the Cold War.
Climate in countries Western Europe Mostly temperate, winters are mild and summers are warm.
Western Europe is one of the most densely populated areas in the world. Urbanization here is at 80%.
The largest agglomerations here are London and Paris.
Western Europe is considered the most popular for tourism. About 65% of tourists flock here.
In this area you can see everything: from sandy beaches to mountain landscapes. The mosaic nature of the landscapes is striking in its beauty.
The large flow of tourists has led to the formation of special tourist zones that specialize in providing tourism services to guests.
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Everyone will be able to indicate on the map exactly where Europe is located. However, setting clear boundaries turns out to be not so easy.
The geographical boundaries of Europe on the northern, western and southern sides are the coastline of the seas of the Arctic Ocean, as well as the Atlantic Ocean. These are the Baltic, Northern, Irish, Mediterranean, Black, Marmara and Azov seas.
The eastern border is usually drawn along the slope of the Ural Mountains to the Caspian Sea. Some sources also include the territories of the Caucasus as Europe.
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List of countries in Europe
The number of European countries is quite extensive.
If listed in alphabetical order, the list would be as follows:
- Austria;
- Albania;
- Andorra.
- Belarus;
- Belgium;
- Bulgaria;
- Bosnia.
- Vatican;
- Great Britain;
- Hungary.
- Germany;
- Holland;
- Greece.
- Denmark.
- Ireland;
- Spain;
- Italy;
- Iceland.
- Latvia;
- Lithuania;
- Liechtenstein;
- Luxembourg.
- Malta;
- Moldova;
- Monaco.
- Norway.
- Poland;
- Portugal.
- Russia;
- Romania.
- San Morino;
- Serbia;
- Slovakia;
- Slovenia.
- Ukraine.
- Finland;
- Croatia.
- Montenegro;
- Switzerland;
- Sweden.
- Estonia.
This is a complete list of states that are European.
Number of European countries
The number of states included in Europe today is 50 .
But based on the political and economic situations occurring in the world, it cannot be said that this list will not change.
We can take as an example Soviet Union, which at one time broke up into 15 independent states. While the GDR and the Federal Republic of Germany, for example, on the contrary, united into a single whole, and today are called Germany.
These days, a difficult political situation is taking place in Spain. The Catalan part is trying to separate itself into a state independent from Spain and be called Catalonia.
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National symbols
The national symbols of countries are their flags and coats of arms. As a rule, the basis of coats of arms includes animalistic symbols. The image of a horse symbolizes speed and movement.
All European countries are familiar with the myths about the sun god, who traveled on his horse-drawn carriage.
But, for example, the elephant expresses reliability and strength. It is his image that can be found on the coat of arms of the city of Coventry in Great Britain.
The state symbols of England are the oldest of all European countries. The coat of arms, which is now official in Great Britain, originated in the 19th century.
looks like a shield:
- In the upper left and lower right corners There are three golden leopards on a red background.
- In the top right– a fiery lion located on a gold-colored background – Scottish coat of arms.
- In the lower left– a harp made of gold on a blue field – Irish symbolism.
This shield is held by a golden lion with a crown in its mane and a snow-white unicorn.
The symbolism of the Scandinavian countries reveals the history of the countries of the European North. The coat of arms of Denmark has been formed over several centuries. It is a shield with a crown on top, and inside the shield there are four blue leopards in a row from top to bottom.
It is divided by a red and white cross, in the center of which is its coat of arms.
Until the 13th century, the state coat of arms of Sweden depicted three leopards in crowns standing on a field one behind the other, which was very reminiscent of the coat of arms of Denmark.
Only at the beginning of the 14th century did it appear coat of arms depicting three golden crowns, which later became a state symbol.
Primordial coat of arms of Iceland was presented in the form of a white falcon. But in 1944, a new symbolism was chosen: a shield held by a bull, a dragon, an eagle and an old man.
Main The symbol of Albania is a black eagle with two heads, which is the Albanian coat of arms.
The symbol of Bulgaria is the golden lion, located on a red shield, which is a symbol of masculinity.
Polish coat of arms appears in the shape of a white eagle, whose head is adorned with a gilded crown.
Symbol of Serbia was created during the period of unification of the lands of Serbia. It depicts an eagle with two heads and a crown.
Macedonia became independent only in the second half of the 20th century. Therefore, before this period, symbolism was represented only by territorial symbols.
Nowadays the coat of arms of Macedonia features a golden crowned lion..
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Population and area of countries
The main giant by all criteria among European countries is Russia.
Its area is approximately 17 million square meters, which is almost equal to the area South America, and the population is about 146 million.
However, Russia’s entry into Europe is considered controversial, because most of it is located in Asia, and only about 22% is in Europe.
Next on the list of the largest European countries by territory is worth mentioning Ukraine. It occupies an area of almost 604 thousand square meters.
The population of Ukraine is about 42 million people.
France, Spain, Sweden, Germany, Finland, Norway, Poland and Italy present a list of the 10 largest European countries. However, in terms of the number of inhabitants of these countries, after Russia comes Germany, whose number of inhabitants is about 81 million people .
The population of France is in third place in terms of size. Within its boundaries there are about 66 million people .
The largest cities in Europe are London, with its population of 7 million people, Berlin - 3.5 million people, followed by Madrid, Rome, Kyiv and Paris with a population of 3 million.
Which countries are part of the European Union?
The Union of Europe was organized during the collapse of the USSR. The EU represents states united together for economic reasons and political views. Most of these countries use one type of currency - the euro.
The Union is an international entity that includes the characteristics of a country and the characteristics of an international community, but in fact they are neither one nor the other.
In some cases, decisions are made by supranational institutions, and in others through negotiations between countries that are members of the European Union.
At the very beginning of its emergence, the European Union consisted of only six countries– Belgium, Germany, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands and France.
Today, thanks to joining the agreement, the number of countries within the European Union has increased to twenty-eight.
States renounce their sovereignty and in return receive protection in various institutions of the union, which act for the common interests of all participants.
The Lisbon Treaty included rules for secession from the European Union. During the entire period of action, only Greenland left the European Union - in the late 1900s.
Currently, five countries are vying for the opportunity to leave the Union. These are Albania, Macedonia, Serbia, Türkiye and Montenegro.
List of EU countries:
- Austria;
- Belgium;
- Bulgaria;
- Hungary;
- Great Britain;
- Greece;
- Germany;
- Denmark;
- Italy;
- Ireland;
- Spain;
- Republic of Cyprus;
- Luxembourg;
- Latvia;
- Lithuania;
- Malta;
- Netherlands;
- Portugal;
- Poland;
- Romania;
- Slovenia;
- Slovakia;
- Finland;
- Croatia;
- Sweden;
- Estonia.
Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland have not agreed to join the European Union and become member states, but they are still participating in joint economic activities.
The population of the European Union as of 2009 exceeded five hundred million people.
All over the earth European Union twenty-four languages are equally used by people. But, as a rule, the most popular languages in the European Union are English, German, and French.
As for religious views, according to surveys, about 18% of the population are atheists, 27% are unsure of their views and 52% confidently believe in the existence of God.
Since the fifties of the twentieth century, the European Union has existed, which today unites 28 countries of Western and Central Europe. The process of its expansion continues, but there are also those dissatisfied with the unified policy and economic problems.
Map of the European Union showing all member states
Most European states are economically and politically united in a union called “European”. Within this zone there is a visa-free space, a single market, and a common currency is used. In 2020, this association includes 28 European countries, including regions subordinate to them, but located autonomously.
List of European Union countries
On this moment England is planning to leave the European Union (Brexit). The first prerequisites for this began back in 2015-2016, when it was proposed to hold a referendum on this issue.
In 2016, the referendum itself was held and slightly more than half of the population voted for leaving the European Union - 51.9%. It was initially planned that the UK would leave the EU at the end of March 2019, but after discussions in Parliament, the exit was postponed to the end of April 2019.
Well, then there was a summit in Brussels and Britain’s exit from the EU was postponed until October 2019. Travelers planning to travel to England should keep an eye on this information.
History of the EU
Initially, the creation of the union was considered only from an economic point of view and was aimed at connecting the coal and steel industries of the two countries - and. The head of the French Foreign Ministry stated this back in 1950. In those years, it was difficult to imagine how many states would later join the association.
In 1957, the European Union was formed, which included such developed countries as Germany, and. It is positioned as a special international association, including the features of both an interstate organization and a single state.
The population of the European Union countries, having independence, should general rules, regarding all spheres of life, domestic and international politics, issues of education, healthcare, social services.
Map of Belgium, the Netherlands and Luxembourg, members of the European Union
Since March 1957, this association has included: In 1973, the Kingdom of Denmark joined the EU. In 1981, it joined the union, and in 1986.
In 1995, three countries at once became members of the EU - and Sweden. Nine years later, ten more countries were added to the single zone -, and. Not only is the process of expansion going on in the European Union, but in 1985 it left the EU after gaining independence, joining it automatically in 1973 as part of, since its population expressed a desire to leave the association.
Together with some European states, the European Union also included a number of territories located outside the mainland, but related to them politically.
Detailed map Denmark showing all cities and islands
For example, along with France, Reunion, Saint-Martin, Martinique, Guadeloupe, Mayotte and French Guiana also joined the union. At the expense of Spain, the organization was enriched by the provinces of Melilla and Ceuta. Together with Portugal, the Azores and Madeira entered into an alliance.
On the contrary, those that are part of the Kingdom of Denmark, but have greater political freedom, did not support the idea of joining a single zone and are not part of the EU, despite Denmark itself being a member of it.
Also, the accession of the GDR to the European Union occurred automatically with the unification of both Germanys, since the Federal Republic of Germany at that time was already part of it. The last country to join the union (in 2013) became the twenty-eighth EU member state. As of 2020, the situation has not changed either towards increasing the zone or towards reducing it.
Criteria for joining the European Union
Not all states are ready to join the EU. How many and what criteria exist can be found out from the relevant document. In 1993, the experience of the existence of the association was summarized and uniform criteria were developed to be used when considering the issue of the next state joining the association.
Where adopted, the list of requirements is called the “Copenhagen Criteria”. Topping the list is the presence of principles of democracy. The main focus is on freedom and respect for the rights of every person, which follows from the concept of the rule of law.
Much attention is paid to developing the competitiveness of the economy of a potential member of the Eurozone, and the general political course of the state should follow from the goals and standards of the European Union. 
EU member states, before making any significant political decision, are obliged to coordinate it with other states, since this decision may affect their social life.
Each European state wishing to join the list of countries that have joined the association is carefully checked to ensure compliance with the “Copenhagen” criteria. Based on the results of the survey, a decision is made on the country’s readiness to join the Eurozone; in case of a negative decision, a list is drawn up, according to which it is necessary to bring the deviating parameters back to normal.
After this, regular monitoring is carried out over the implementation of the requirements, based on the results of which a conclusion is made about the country’s readiness to join the EU.
In addition to the common political course, there is a visa-free regime for crossing state borders in a single space, and they use a single currency - the euro.
This is what the money of the European Union looks like - the euro
As of 2020, 19 out of 28 countries that are members of the European Union supported and accepted the use of the euro on their territory, recognizing it as their state currency.
It is worth noting that not all EU countries have the euro as their national currency:
- Bulgaria - Bulgarian Lev.
- Croatia - Croatian kuna.
- Czech Republic - Czech crown.
- Denmark - Danish krone.
- Hungary - forint.
- Poland - Polish zloty.
- Romania - Romanian leu.
- Sweden - Swedish krona.
When planning trips to these countries, it is worth taking care to purchase local currency, as the exchange rate in tourist areas can be very high.
This state association includes: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Great Britain, Hungary, Germany, Greece, Denmark, Ireland, Spain, Italy, Cyprus, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia , Finland, France, Croatia, Czech Republic, Sweden and Estonia.
At the very beginning of intra-European unification, back in the 90s of the last century, the first members of the European Union were six states: Belgium, Germany, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands and France. Then the remaining 22 joined them.
The main factors or rules for joining the organization are compliance with the criteria established in 1993 in Copenhagen and approved at a meeting of the Union members in Madrid two years later. States must observe the basic principles of democracy, respect freedom and rights, as well as the foundations of a law-based state. A potential member of the organization must have a competitive market economy and recognize those already adopted in the European Union general rules and standards.
The European Union also has its own motto - “Harmony in Diversity”, as well as an anthem “Ode to Joy”.
European countries that are not members of the European Union
TO European countries that are not part of the organization include the following:
- Great Britain, Liechtenstein, Monaco and Switzerland in Western Europe;
- Belarus, Russia, Moldova and Ukraine in Eastern Europe;
- Northern European Iceland, Norway;
- Albania, Andorra, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Vatican City, Macedonia, San Marino, Serbia and Montenegro in Southern Europe;
- Azerbaijan, Georgia, Kazakhstan and Turkey, partially located in Europe;
- as well as the unrecognized states of the Republic of Kosovo and Transnistria.
Currently, Turkey, Iceland, Macedonia, Serbia and Montenegro are potential candidates for membership in the European Union.
The Western Balkan countries - Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo - are already included in this expansion program. However, the latter state is not yet recognized by the European Union as independent due to the fact that the separation of Kosovo from Serbia is not yet recognized by all members of the organization.
Several so-called “dwarf” states - Andorra, Vatican City, Monaco and San Marino, although they use the euro, still maintain relations with the European Union only through partial cooperation agreements.
Finland is an economically developed country in Northern Europe, bordering Russia, Sweden and Norway. Finland has a high standard of living, so many foreigners flock here. Potential tourists and migrants are often looking for an answer to the question of whether Finland is part of the European Union.
Let's consider what unions and associations this northern European state belongs to. First, let's find out what the European Union is and what countries are included in it. The European Union is an organization consisting of independent states that have developed common political and economic rules for themselves and have a common currency - the euro. Also, many European countries are part of the Schengen zone. How are these associations different?
Finland's membership in the European Union and Schengen
The European Union was legally established in 1992 in Maastricht, the Netherlands, giving rise to a large common market that is very convenient for its members. Finland joined the European Union back in 1995. Now citizens of this state can move freely throughout Europe. Until 2002, the national currency of Finland was the Finnish mark. Now the country's single currency is the euro. After World War II, the economy and industry of this state developed greatly, especially the timber industry, steel production and tourism.
Finland is also a member of the Schengen area. The Schengen Union was concluded in the spring of 1995 with the aim of unifying the borders between European states. The Schengen Agreement has significantly simplified movement between participating countries. There is no passport control at the borders between these states. Citizens of countries outside the Schengen area only need to open one general Schengen visa to visit several countries.
The internal market, free of visas and duties, has made trading in the euro area easier for Finnish companies. The Prime Minister of Finland is a permanent member of the European Council of the EU. Finland has great influence in the European Union; it is represented in the European Parliament by 13 deputies. Finns can travel and work freely in all countries of the European Union and the Schengen area.
EU member states, potential members for accession
Today the European Union includes 28 member countries, home to more than 500 million inhabitants. Of these, 19 states entered the Eurozone with a single currency - the euro. The first countries joined this association back in 1973. The last addition was in 2007, when Bulgaria and Romania joined the EU. Below is a list of participating countries as of 2018:
- Germany;
- Finland;
- Poland;
- Portugal;
- Spain;
- Slovenia;
- Slovakia;
- Croatia;
- Denmark;
- Bulgaria;
- Romania;
- Sweden;
- Norway;
- Greece;
- Malta;
- Croatia;
- Cyprus;
- Italy;
- Austria;
- France;
- Holland;
- Ireland;
- Estonia;
- Latvia;
- Lithuania;
- Luxembourg;
- Belgium.
Today, 26 countries are members of the Schengen area. There are a number of candidate countries for membership in the European Union - Montenegro, Macedonia, Serbia and Turkey. The Schengen Union and the European Union should not be confused. These are different associations, they have different functions, they have different composition. 4 countries that are part of the Schengen area are not members of the European Union.
Interesting! There is also a candidate to leave the EU! This is Great Britain, which, after the famous referendum, is going to leave this association. A process called “Brexit” has now been launched, as a result of which Great Britain may soon leave the European Union.
As we can see, this state is simultaneously a member of several public associations. Finland is an important and significant member of the EU. Finns are proud that they can influence European affairs. Unlike neighboring Scandinavian countries, Finland is not a member of NATO. In all military relations it remains neutral. Finland, although a small country, is capable of influencing internationally.
