Okay, let's talk about something that confused the heck out of me when I first started traveling in Europe: figuring out what countries are in the European Union. You see, I booked this trip from Paris to Switzerland thinking it was all one zone, only to realize at the border I needed different documents. Total rookie mistake. That's why understanding exactly which nations are EU members matters – whether you're planning a backpacking adventure, checking import taxes, or just curious how Europe operates.
Funny thing I noticed: many people assume all European countries are in the EU – but nope. Places like Norway are definitely European but not part of the club.
The EU Member List Right Now (2024 Edition)
So right this minute, there are 27 countries in the European Union. That number changed after Brexit, and honestly, some days I still catch myself including the UK by mistake – old habits die hard. Here's the current roster:
| Country | Joined EU | Capital | Uses Euro? | In Schengen Zone? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Austria | 1995 | Vienna | Yes | Yes |
| Belgium | Founder (1958) | Brussels | Yes | Yes |
| Bulgaria | 2007 | Sofia | No (lev) | No |
| Croatia | 2013 | Zagreb | Yes (2023) | Yes |
| Cyprus | 2004 | Nicosia | Yes | No |
| Czech Republic | 2004 | Prague | No (koruna) | Yes |
| Denmark | 1973 | Copenhagen | No (krone) | Yes (opt-out) |
| Estonia | 2004 | Tallinn | Yes | Yes |
| Finland | 1995 | Helsinki | Yes | Yes |
| France | Founder (1958) | Paris | Yes | Yes |
| Germany | Founder (1958) | Berlin | Yes | Yes |
| Greece | 1981 | Athens | Yes | Yes |
| Hungary | 2004 | Budapest | No (forint) | Yes |
| Ireland | 1973 | Dublin | Yes | No (opt-out) |
| Italy | Founder (1958) | Rome | Yes | Yes |
| Latvia | 2004 | Riga | Yes | Yes |
| Lithuania | 2004 | Vilnius | Yes | Yes |
| Luxembourg | Founder (1958) | Luxembourg City | Yes | Yes |
| Malta | 2004 | Valletta | Yes | Yes |
| Netherlands | Founder (1958) | Amsterdam | Yes | Yes |
| Poland | 2004 | Warsaw | No (złoty) | Yes |
| Portugal | 1986 | Lisbon | Yes | Yes |
| Romania | 2007 | Bucharest | No (leu) | No |
| Slovakia | 2004 | Bratislava | Yes | Yes |
| Slovenia | 2004 | Ljubljana | Yes | Yes |
| Spain | 1986 | Madrid | Yes | Yes |
| Sweden | 1995 | Stockholm | No (krona) | Yes |
Some quick observations from my travels: Don't assume Euro usage everywhere. That trip to Prague caught me off guard when ATMs gave me koruna. And border crossings? Schengen vs non-Schengen makes a huge difference – took me two hours to get from Greece to Bulgaria once.
Honestly, Croatia switching to the Euro last year made my island-hopping way smoother. One less currency to juggle!
Countries That Left the EU (Just One)
Yeah, this is basically the Brexit section. The UK left in January 2020 – the only country ever to bail on the EU. What does that mean practically? As someone who frequently travels between London and Paris, I can tell you:
- Passport queues at St Pancras now take 3x longer
- My UK friends can't freely work in EU countries anymore
- Data roaming charges returned for UK phones in Europe
Could others follow? Doubt it. But it does answer "what countries are in the European Union" by showing who isn't.
How the EU Grew: Membership Timeline
Wondering why some countries joined later than others? It wasn't random. The EU expanded in waves, usually after big political shifts. I've always found this timeline fascinating:
| Year | Countries Added | Major Trigger |
|---|---|---|
| 1958 | Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, Luxembourg, Netherlands | Treaty of Rome (Original "EEC") |
| 1973 | Denmark, Ireland, UK (left 2020) | First northern expansion |
| 1981 | Greece | End of military junta |
| 1986 | Portugal, Spain | End of dictatorships |
| 1995 | Austria, Finland, Sweden | Post-Cold War openness |
| 2004 | Cyprus, Czechia, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Poland, Slovakia, Slovenia | Eastern Bloc joins after USSR collapse |
| 2007 | Bulgaria, Romania | Continued eastern expansion |
| 2013 | Croatia | Most recent addition |
Notice how the biggest jump happened in 2004? Visiting Vilnius last year, locals told me joining the EU was like "coming home to Europe" after Soviet occupation. Adds perspective when you're listing what countries are in the European Union.
EU vs Schengen vs Eurozone: Clearing the Confusion
This is where most travelers mess up (myself included on that Switzerland trip). Let me break it down from painful experience:
European Union Members
These 27 countries follow common laws, allow free movement of people/goods, and participate in EU governance (Brussels bureaucrats and all).
Downside? Farmers in France once blocked roads protesting EU fishing quotas during my trip. Common policies create common headaches.
Schengen Area Countries
No border checks between members. But crucially, includes non-EU nations like Iceland and Norway. Missing from EU? Ireland, Bulgaria, Romania, Cyprus.
You'll feel this crossing from Austria into Hungary (no stop) vs entering Romania from Hungary (passport check).
Eurozone Users
19 EU countries + microstates like Monaco use the Euro. Denmark specifically negotiated an opt-out. Others like Sweden avoid it despite being required to adopt eventually.
Fun fact: Croatia only switched to Euros in 2023. Their ATMs dispensed both currencies for months – talk about confusing tourists!
Practical Impacts of Being an EU Country
Why does knowing what countries are in the European Union matter beyond trivia? Here's real-life stuff I've encountered:
Travel Perks
Crossing between Germany and Netherlands? Zero border checks. Mobile roaming charges abolished EU-wide in 2017 - saved me a fortune. But airport security queues are still brutal everywhere.
Work & Study
My Spanish friend works in Berlin without a visa. EU students pay domestic fees across the bloc. Erasmus program? Life-changing for many students.
Shopping & Regulations
Bought a French blender? 2-year warranty valid in Portugal. But VAT refunds only work when leaving the EU entirely - learned this after failing to claim in Italy before flying to Croatia.
Agriculture & Food
Those "Protected Designation of Origin" labels? They matter. Real Champagne only comes from France. Feta cheese? Must be Greek. Saw counterfeit "Parma ham" seized at a Budapest market once.
Countries Trying to Join the EU
The expansion story isn't over. Several candidates are negotiating membership:
- Albania - Started talks in 2020
- Montenegro - Already adopted Euro unofficially
- North Macedonia - Name dispute with Greece resolved
- Serbia - Tough negotiations over Kosovo
- Turkey - Stalled talks since 2016
Visited Montenegro last summer - locals are desperate to join. "We're already using Euros and aligning laws," a café owner told me. "Just make it official!"
Frankly, I'm skeptical about Turkey joining soon. The political hurdles seem massive despite their strategic importance.
EU Members By Region
Grouping them geographically helps make sense of that 27-nation list:
Western Europe
The heavyweights: France, Germany, Benelux nations. Original members driving EU policy. Brussels (Belgium) hosts most EU institutions.
Nordic Countries
Denmark, Sweden, Finland. High living standards but wary of full integration. Sweden still avoids the Euro.
Southern Europe
Italy, Spain, Portugal, Greece, Malta, Cyprus. Big tourism economies. Took bailouts during debt crisis.
Eastern Europe
Biggest group: Poland, Hungary, Czechia, Baltics, etc. Joined post-2004. Often more conservative than western members. Amazing value for travelers!
Balkan States
Croatia (joined 2013), Bulgaria, Romania. Still catching up economically. Bulgaria hopes to adopt Euro by 2025.
Frequently Asked Questions (EU Membership)
Is Switzerland part of the European Union?
Nope. They're stubbornly neutral. But they are in Schengen - hence my passport shock at Basel airport.
Do all EU countries use the Euro currency?
Not even close! Only 19 do. Denmark uses krone, Sweden uses krona, Poland uses złoty, etc. Always check before traveling.
Can EU citizens live anywhere in the EU?
Yes - with minimal paperwork. Saw this when a Portuguese family opened a bakery in Helsinki hassle-free.
Why isn't Norway in the EU?
They rejected membership twice to protect fishing rights. EU boats can't access their prime fishing grounds - clever move.
What's the newest country to join the European Union?
Croatia in 2013. Took them 10 years of negotiations. Worth visiting Plitvice Lakes before crowds discover it.
How many countries left the European Union?
Just one - the UK. Greenland (Danish territory) left in 1985 but wasn't independent.
Are there benefits to being in the EU?
Massively: Access to single market, agricultural subsidies, infrastructure funds. Polish highways improved dramatically post-2004.
Key EU Membership Stats
- Total Population: 448 million (world's 3rd largest after China/India)
- GDP per Capita: Ranges from $13k (Bulgaria) to $133k (Luxembourg)
- Land Area: 4.2 million km² - larger than India
- Longest Border: Sweden/Norway (non-EU) at 1,619 km
- Oldest Member: Belgium/France/Germany/Italy/Luxembourg/Netherlands (1958)
Why This List Changes (And Might Change Again)
Membership isn't static. Countries apply, negotiate reforms, and join - like Croatia did. Others might leave though it's unlikely soon. What drives changes?
- Geopolitics: Ukraine applied after Russia's invasion - talks ongoing
- Economic Shifts: Debt crises test solidarity (remember Greece?)
- Public Opinion: Rising euroskepticism in Poland/Hungary
My take? Future enlargement will focus on Balkans first. Ukraine joining would take decades. But the core answer to "what countries are in the European Union" evolves slowly.
Handling Common Misconceptions
Let's bust some myths I've heard repeatedly:
Myth: EU = Europe
False. Only 27 of Europe's 50 countries are EU members. Norway is European but not EU. Russia is partly in Europe but definitely not joining.
Myth: The Euro is Europe's currency
Only 19 EU states use it. Denmark uses krone. Switzerland (non-EU) uses francs. Always carry local cash.
Myth: Schengen Area = European Union
Iceland and Norway are Schengen but not EU. Ireland and Romania are EU but not Schengen. Crucial distinction.
Pro traveler tip: When booking multi-country trips, always verify: Is border crossing EU internal or external? Saves hours at checkpoints.
Final Thoughts on EU Membership
Look, whether you're investing, traveling, or studying, knowing what countries are in the European Union has real-world consequences. That list of 27 nations shares complex bonds - economic, legal, cultural. From Ireland's green hills to Cyprus's beaches, the diversity is staggering.
Having crisscrossed these countries for years, I appreciate both the convenience (no roaming fees!) and frustrations (bureaucracy in Brussels). Will the UK rejoin someday? Doubtful. Will Ukraine join? Not anytime soon. But this club remains central to understanding modern Europe.
So bookmark this guide. Refer to the tables. And next time someone asks "is Norway in the EU?", you'll know precisely what to say.
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