Italy is part of the European Union. Which countries are included in the European Union. European Union. Expansion to the East

Everyone knows that list of euro countries consists of twenty seven components. The main task of the association is regional integration. By the way, eU countries The lawyer of the Maastricht Treaty was enshrined in the Unified Association in 1992 under the law of European communities. Below I will present you map of the European Union By country.

About interesting factsBy the way, I know that the exchange of houses is very common in Europe. This is a very interesting and advantageous type of tourism, I will tell you. During the holidays, you just change home with those people who would like to visit your country, and you are them. Agree, ingenious? I think with an increase in the self-awareness of the inhabitants of our country and we have this experience to come true.

With the help of general laws eU countries Created a single market, which ensures trouble-free transportation of residents, products, services and all sorts of EU goods. Moreover, within the Schengen zone, people cost without monitoring the identity card, and not only eU countriesBut also a state that does not belong to its territory.

The main activity of the European Union is the adoption of all the various laws, directives, decisions, and so on within the right and other internal affairs. Also list of euro countries trying to create the same policy in the field of trade, agriculture, fisheries, and all regional Development. Seventeen countries of the European Union of twenty-seven use a single cash currency - the euro, therefore, formed the eurozone.

The European Union, being a subject of international official law, has the authority to take part in many international relations and promote the conclusion of relevant contracts.

Polish influence on the political, economic and cultural life of Europe is large enough. At the same time, not all ordinary people know the details about this country. Many of those who are going to study there, work or simply as a tourist, are interested in whether the European Union is included in Poland or not.

More about the European Union

To begin with, it should be briefly said about what is this organization. So, the EU is the association of sovereign states that have developed for themselves certain general rules in the field of economics, politics and other aspects of international life. Many laws and other legislation are also coordinated and working for united policies in areas such as industry, communication, agriculture, commercial relations, judicial policy, culture Exchange, education, labor market and much more.

On a note! The EU even hosts general elections, including in the European Parliament and other supranational authorities.

Member States

Some states have entered this union before, some - later, and some at all, quite recently. Today, the following countries are members of the EU:

The UK is still formally remained as part of the euro, however, after a well-known referendum, the process of the so-called "brexite" was launched, as a result of which the country should exit the European Union.

It's important to know! It is impossible to confuse the EU and the Eurozone, which is an international currency association, in which 19 countries use euros as a national currency.

In addition, the Schengen Agreement is also another union. Shengen involves the interaction of a number of countries in visa policies, as well as crossing boundaries (actual liquidation). Some people who do not fully own the situation can confuse all these concepts. And, in the meantime, it should be divided, because all this is different things. For the sake of fairness, it should be noted that largely these organizations are connected with each other, and their member countries "intersect", that is, at the same time consist in all three, or at a minimum, in two.

Today there are several candidate countries for membership (Serbia, Turkey, Montenegro, Macedonia). However, they all have completely different perspectives.

Poland membership

At present, Poland is part of the European Union. She joined there on May 1, 2004, when the next expansion of this organization occurred. Simultaneously with it, membership received several other countries, mainly Eastern European. Despite the fact that the EU joining by many were perceived with optimism, the country has some difficulties in relations with other participating States. This, in particular, concerns some trade aspects, immigration, situations with refugees and other issues. Despite the fact that a number of countries performed and continues to oppose some aspects of Polish politics, the speech about her exit from the EU does not go.

In addition, Poland is a member of the Schengen Agreement, which provides for the agreed issuance of visas operating throughout its territory. Along with this, national visas are preserved. For example, they can be issued in temporary and permanent employees who arrive there for work. The Poles themselves can work freely throughout the European Union, as well as in a number of other countries, for example, in Norway.

European Union (EU) is a unique economic and political association. 27 European countrieswhich formed the "general market", first of all, providing free movement of goods and people.

Within the EU, there is a single currency - the euro, which, as of 2020, use 19 countries participating, and functions its own parliament, authorized to make decisions in a wide range of regions - from issues related to protection ambient Before installing mobile communications tariffs.

Map of EU countries

EU countries

The current list of countries belonging to the European Union in 2020 (today) is as follows.

EU countries 2019.

Member State Date of entry
1. Germany March 25, 1957.
2. Belgium
3. Italy
4. Luxembourg
5. Netherlands
6. France
7. Denmark January 1, 1973.
8. Ireland
9. Greece January 1, 1981.
10. Spain January 1, 1986.
11. Portugal
12. Austria January 1, 1995
13. Finland
14. Sweden
15. Hungary May 1, 2004
16. Cyprus
17. Latvia
18. Lithuania
19. Malta
20. Poland
21. Slovakia
22. Slovenia
23. Czech Republic
24. Estonia
25. Bulgaria January 1, 2007
26. Romania
27. Croatia July 1, 2013
* Great Britain January 1, 1973 (formal output - February 1 2020)

On Thursday, June 23, 2016, a referendum was held in the UK, known to the whole world as Brexit.. The voting took part more 30 million human. The final turnout was 71.8%. As a result, 51.9% of the British expressed a desire to get out of the European Union. At the same time, most citizens of England and Wales supported the exit from the EU, and the inhabitants of Scotland and Northern Ireland were against.

According to Article 50 of the Lisbon Treaty, which has entered into force in 2009, any country of the European Union has the right to leave this union. This article regulates the procedure for exiting the EU, in particular, on the final harmonization of the conditions is provided for by a maximum of 2 years. The official start of the Great Britain's Department process from the European Union was scheduled for March 29, 2019. After which the six-month extension was followed October 31, 2019.

Important. At midnight from January 31, as of February 1, 2020, the United Kingdom has formally emerged from the European Union. The country has lost the representative office and the right to vote in the authorities of the EU power, but at the same time remained part of a single economic space until the end of 2020. Within 11 months, the United Kingdom and the European Union must agree on new terms of trade and cooperation.

The list of countries belonging to the EU in 2020, in contrast to 2019, includes not 28, and 27 states.

Creating a European Union

The idea of \u200b\u200bcreating a European Union arose against the background of the terrifying consequences of World War II. To avoid repetitions of such events and maximize countries with each other in economically, in 1950, French Foreign Minister Robert Schumanov proposed to unite the coal and steel industry in Europe.

As a result, in 1951, six states - France, Western Germany, Italy, Belgium, Netherlands, Luxembourg - signed Paris Treaty And they created the European Association of Coal and Steel. The rapid growth of trade relations for 6 years led to the conclusion Roman agreements 1957, which caused the formation of the European Economic Community - the basis of the modern EC.

The European Union has been created on the basis of Maastricht Treatyoperating from November 1, 1993, which led to the emergence of a single European currency - euro. Subsequently, the EU's main agreements were made in accordance with agreements signed in Amsterdam (1997), Nice (2001) and Lisbon (2009).

Entry of countries in the European Union

The first EU expansion wave occurred in 1973, after joining the United Kingdom, Ireland and Denmark. In 1981, Greece joined, and in 5 years (1986) - Portugal and Spain. In 1995, Austria, Finland and Sweden entered the European Union.

The largest extension took place in 2004, when the EU received 10 new members - Hungary, Cyprus, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Poland, Slovakia, Slovenia, Czech Republic and Estonia. In 2007, Romania and Bulgaria were joined, and the last country that joined the EU in 2013 was Croatia.

EU functioning

The cumulative population of the EU member states exceeds 510 million people. Earlier, the Early Economic Union over the years has become a powerful political association, jointly decisive problems of security, migration, climate change, health, education, and much more. The fundamental principles of the European Union are based on a single domestic market, ensuring the free movement of goods, services, money and people, including labor.

The main values \u200b\u200bof the EU include the rule of law, freedom, democracy, equality, respect for the rights and dignity of man. The functioning of the European Union provides 7 main institutions:

    European Council.

    Council of the European Union.

    Court of the European Union.

    European Accounts Chamber.

    European Central Bank.

Despite the nominal independence of each EU member and collective decision making, individual countries occupy a dominant position in this association. For example, more than 60% Contributions to the general budget of the European Union accounts for 4 countries - Germany, France, Great Britain and Italy. For comparison, the cumulative share of the Baltic countries - Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia does not exceed 1%.

Many EU participating countries receive considerable funds from the total budget to maintain the economy and social development that significantly exceed the size of the initial contributions. Thus, the sovereignty and the ability to significantly affect important decisions taken within the European Union are partially lost. The political and economic leader of the EU over the years is Germany for many years.

EU membership candidates

As already mentioned, the list of European Union countries in 2020 includes 27 members. The last replenishment took place in 2013, when Croatia entered the composition of the association. Four Western European states - Iceland, Norway, Switzerland and Liechtenstein are not included in the EU, but are closely integrated into the unified economic market and are members of the Schengen zone.

For joining the European Union, a candidate country must comply with the so-called Copenhagen criteriaThe basis of which the democratic government is laid, respect for human rights, the functioning of the market economy and the commitment of the goals and intentions of the EU. The right to enter the European Union on the geographical basis is recorded in Article 49 Maastricht Treaty.

As of 2020, there are 5 candidates for EU accession:

    Turkey - Application from 1987

    Macedonia - Application from 2004

    Montenegro - Application from 2008

    Albania - Application for 2009

    Serbia - Application for 2009

Negotiations on joining the EU are all countries except Albania and Macedonia. Potential candidates are considered to be Bosnia and Herzegovina and Kosovo. In 2014, the European Union signed the Association Agreement with Ukraine, Georgia and Moldova, which is not a basis for submitting an application for EU accession, but in the future membership is possible. According to the statements of high-ranking European officials, it can be concluded that the coming years of replenishing the European Union with new countries should not be expected.

Today, the majority of European powers are combined into a single community, the name "Eurozone". They act on their territory: a single commodity market, a visa-free regime, a total currency introduced (euro). To figure out which countries are currently entering the European Union, and what are the trends of its development, you need to refer to history.

Now the EU includes (in brackets indicated the year of entry):

  • Austria (1995)
  • Belgium (1957)
  • Bulgaria (2007)
  • United Kingdom (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, the proposals for European integration were announced in the 19th century (1867 g) at the Paris Conference. But because of the deep and fundamental contradictions between the powers, the case to practical implementation came in almost 100 years. 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 discuss and gradually into life. It is explained by the fact that EU participating countries realized that the rapid and effective recovery of national economies, as well as their further development can be carried out exclusively when combining resources and efforts. This is clearly indicated by the chronology of the development of the European Community.

The offer of the new association was the proposal of R. Shuman (head of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of France) about its organization in the field of use and production of steel and coal, combining the natural reserves of Germany and France. This happened 05/09/1950 in 1951 in the capital of France, a document is signed about the creation of the EUUS. In addition to the aforementioned powers, it was signed by: Lyuxenburg, the Netherlands, Belgium, Italy.

At the beginning of the 1957 year, the Power, which are members of the EOOS, signed two more agreements about the establishment of European communities by Euroat, as well as the EEC. After 3 years, the EAT Association was also created.

1963 - the foundation of associate relations between the community and Africa is laid. This allowed the 18 republics of the continent to fully enjoy all the advantages of cooperation with UES (financial, technical, trading) for 5 years.

1964 - the creation of a single agricultural market. At the same time, begins the activities of the faw - to support the agricultural sector.

1968 - the end of the formation of the Customs Union.

The beginning of 1973 - the list of EU countries is replenished: Great Britain, Denmark, Ireland.

1975 - EU and 46 states from different parts globe Sign a convention in the field of trade cooperation, called Lo Meisan.

1979 - Introduction EWS.

1981 - EU joining Greece.

1986 - Spain and Portugal join the composition.

In 1990 - adoption by the Schengen Agreement.

1992 - signing the Maastricht Treaty.

11/01/1993 - Official renaming to the European Union.

1995 - Entry of Sweden, Finland, Austria.

1999 - Introduction of non-cash euro.

2002 - introduces euros for cash settlements.

2004 - the next EU expansion: Cyprus, Malta, Estonia, Lithuania, Latvia, Slovenia, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, Poland.

2007- Joined Romania and Bulgaria.

2013 - the 28th EU member becomes Croatia.

The process of development of the eurozone was not all the time and goes smoothly. For example, at the end of 1985, Greenland came out of it, which had previously entered the part with Denmark, but after receiving independence, state citizens took the appropriate decision. In 2016, a referendum was held on the territory of Great Britain, at which the majority of the population (almost 52%) voted for cessation of membership. At the time of writing Article, the British were in the initial stage of exiting the Union.

Today on the map of the eurozone you can see the states and islands that are geographically not related to Europe. This is explained by the fact that they were automatically attached together with other states to which they relate.

As the current situation in the world shows the countries of the European Union today have different views on their membership in it and in general development prospects, especially in the light of the latest events related to the United Kingdom's decision.

Entry criteria

European countries are not part of the European Union, but those who want to become members should take into account that there are certain criteria to which they must comply. You can find out more information about them from a special document called "Copenhagen criteria". Important attention is given here:

  • principles of democracy;
  • human rights;
  • development of competitiveness of the economy.

All important political decisions made by the EU member states are necessarily coordinated.

To join this community, each applicant is tested on the corresponding "Copenhagen criteria". Based on the results of the verification, a decision is made about the readiness of the Power to replenish this list or still wait.

If the solution is negative, then a list of parameters and criteria are necessarily drawn up to normal within the prescribed period. Permanent control is carried out for the implementation of the prescriptions. After bringing parameters to the norm, another study is carried out and then the result is made, ready or no power to membership.

The unified currency on the territory of the eurozone is the euro, but not all members of the EU for 2020 accepted it on its territory. Of the 9 countries, Denmark and the United Kingdom have a special status, Sweden also does not recognize the euro with its state currency, but may soon change such an attitude, and another 6 powers are only prepared for administration.

Applicants

If you see which countries are included in the European Union, and who is currently a candidate for replenishing his ranks, it is quite possible to expect an expansion of the association, today officially announced 5 applicants: Albania, Turkey, Serbia, Macedonia, and Montenegro. Among the potential, you can allocate Bosnia and Herzegovina. There are applicants and among states located on other continents, which previously signed the Association Agreement: Chile, Lebanon, Egypt, Israel, Jordan, Mexico, South Africa and others.

Economic activities and its basic principles

The current economic activity in the territory of the European Union as a whole develops from the economies of individual states, which are included in the composition of the association. But despite this, every country in the international market is an independent unit. The general GDP consists of the contributions of each member state. It gives the right to life and work throughout the Commonwealth.

The greatest percentage of income, over the past years, brought such countries as Germany, Spain, United Kingdom, Italy and France. The main strategic resources are petroleum products, gas, as well as coal. According to the reserves of petroleum products, the EU ranks 14th in the world.

Another significant article of income is tourist activity. This promotes visa-free regime, lively trade relations and a single currency.

Analyzing which states are included in the European Union and who is a challenge for accession, various forecasts can be built. But in any case, the integration of the economies will continue in the near future and most likely they will be involved more than the powers located on other continents.

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European Union - world OrganizationIn our time, significance in the political and economic world. Interest in the European Union show all states and all segments of the population, because the functions and objectives of this organization affect the most relevant topics and problems. The scale, wide functionality, as well as the powers in international relations make the European Union with an influential world organization for a long time.

EU participating countries

The European Union began its activities in the 50s of the 20th century. Today, the organization unites 28 countries participating in the Western and central Europe. Annually traced the interest of the European Union, and accordingly, the expansion process does not stand still. However, controversial situations do not bypass the Union of the Party, there are certain dissatisfaction with uniform policies and economic problems.

Countries that come to the European Union:

CountryYear of joining
France1957
Netherlands1957
Luxembourg1957
Italy1957
Germany1957
Belgium1957
Great Britain1973
Ireland1973
Denmark1973
1981
Spain1986
Portugal1986
Austria1995
1995
Sweden1995
Czech Republic2004
2004
Poland2004
Slovakia2004
Slovenia2004
Malta2004
Lithuania2004
Latvia2004
Cyprus2004
Hungary2004
Bulgaria2007
Romania2007
Croatia2013

For all countries of the European Union, there is a single market. The European Union currency (euro) is used in 17 countries, thus creating eurozone. In addition, these countries have the right to issue coins and euro banknotes.

As a serious and large-scale organization, the European Union has certain institutions:

  1. European Council - they define the basic political line of EU development. At the head of the European Council, the Chairman elected by the heads of state for a period of 2.5 years.
  2. The Council of the European Union - most often includes ministers of foreign affairs, or appropriate officials in any sectoral issues. Indicates issues in all areas of activity.
  3. The European Commission - manages a single EU policy, a kind of government. He is engaged in legislative and regulatory documentation, as well as its observance.
  4. The European Court forms European Rights, controls its true interpretation. In addition, cases of individuals and legal entities are considered, inspections of income and EU cost reports are being conducted.
  5. The European Central Bank - the management of the reserves of the European system of central banks, establishes the EU currency policy, and also defines key interest rates.

The history of the creation of the European Union

The creation of the European Union fell on hard times After World War II. The first association was called - the European Association of Coal and Steel (EUS), included six countries: France, Italy, Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg, Germany.

In 1957, by signing the Roman Agreement, the European Economic Community (UES) is created on the basis of the European Community atomic energy and euro.

1967 became a fundamental, all three European communities (EOOS, UES, the European Community on Atomic Energy) were united in the European Community.

1993 - the entry into force of the contract drawn up in the Netherlands, Maastricht - the creation of the European Union. The settlement of monetary and political systems of European countries has been completed at this stage.

Entry into the EU

The extension of the European Union does not stop, according to current data for 2018, such countries: Albania, Turkey, Serbia, Macedonia, and Montenegro are applied. In addition, countries from other continents, who previously signed the Association Association Association Agreement, are claimed to join the EU: Egypt, South Africa, Israel, Lebanon, Chile, Mexico and others.

Speaking about membership applicants in the European Union, it is impossible not to say about a large-scale exit from the EU, which is planned for March 2019. The United Kingdom held a referendum on the exit from the EU, at which 52% of residents voted for the exit of the country from the EU.

The introduction of new countries in the EU occurs with careful selection. There are certain criteria, the candidate country must comply with them. The list and rules of such criteria are collected in a separate document called "Copenhagen criteria". Special attention is paid to such questions:

  1. Principles of democracy.
  2. Human rights.
  3. Development of competitiveness of the economy.

After passing the verification for compliance with the criteria, the decision on the adoption of the country in the EU or the fact that it is still necessary to wait. If the answer to EU membership is negative, the candidate country necessarily provides a list of parameters and criteria that it should lead to the norm in the time set.

EU membership for any country is a prestigious and indicative consistency factor. Unified Policy of the "Customs Union", Unified Foreign Policy, Freedom of Internal Movement, General Economic Space, Unified Social Standards - All these are the privileges of the members of the European Union.

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