Member states of the European Union

Origins and development of the European Union

From 1957 to 1972, there was the "European Economic Community," consisting of France, Germany, the Netherlands and the Benelux countries. The European Union was created in 1993, initially with 12 members, followed by the eastward expansion from 2004 to 2007 by 11 countries. Since then, Croatia has been the only new member, joining in 2013.

Candidate countries whose accession negotiations have already begun are Montenegro, Serbia and Turkey. Albania and Macedonia also have official candidate status, but no agreements have been reached yet.

Objectives

Before the Maastricht Treaty of 1992, the community had only economic objectives. Subsequently, its projects were expanded from economic growth to additional areas, such as foreign policy, security, climate and environment, consumer protection, transport and joint space travel. A common monetary union is also an objective of the EU.

Influence of the European Union

Normally, transnational communities have a rather non-binding character, and are based on advice and recommendations to its member countries. The EU, on the other hand, is an independent legal entity in its own right and, in addition to its members, even has "extended observer status" at the United Nations — albeit without voting rights.

Through the institutions of the European Parliament, the Council and the European Commission, the EU has great influence on its members from Strasbourg and Brussels. It can even enforce the enactment of laws. In the economic fields and, for example, environmental, climate and energy policy, it defines norms and rules according to which its members must comply.

In the last 10 years, the gross domestic product of the EU member states has almost consistently been higher than that of the USA. Only China, the world's largest economy, has been stronger in recent years. All EU member states have a rating of "very high" according to the Human Development Index.

Former member countries

Dependent territories

Some of the above-mentioned member states have other external territories dependent on them. These are not independent states, but they do have some economic and political autonomy. The European Union treaties apply to them at least in part. These countries are not listed as official member states.