The history of the creation of the European Union and the list of countries included in it. Which countries are members of the European Union Officially declared candidates for membership in the European Union

On this page you can find out the full list of EU countries included in the composition for 2017.

The initial purpose of the creation of the European Union was to connect the coal and steel resources of just two European countries - Germany and France. In 1950, one could not even imagine that after a certain time the European Union would become a unique international entity that united 28 European states and combined the features of an international organization and a sovereign power. The article describes which countries are members of the European Union, how many full members of the EU and candidates for membership are currently.

The organization received legal justification much later. The existence of the international union was secured by the Maastricht Agreement in 1992, which entered into force in November of the following year.

Objectives of the Maastricht Treaty:

1. Creation of an international association with identical economic, political and monetary directions in development;
2. Creation of a single market by creating conditions for the unhindered movement of production products, services, and other goods;
3. Regulation of issues related to the protection and protection of the environment;
4. Decreased crime rate.

The main consequences of the conclusion of the contract:

• the introduction of a single European citizenship;
• the abolition of the passport control regime on the territory of the countries that are part of the EU, provided for by the Schengen Agreement;

Although legally the EU combines the properties of an international entity and an independent state, in fact it does not belong to either one or the other.

How many EU member states in 2017

Today, the European Union includes 28 countries, as well as a number of autonomous regions subordinate to the main EU members (Aland Islands, Azores, etc.). In 2013, the last entry into the European Union was made, after which Croatia also became a member of the EU.

The following countries are members of the European Union:

1. Croatia;
2. Netherlands;
3. Romania;
4. France;
5. Bulgaria;
6. Luxembourg;
7. Italy;
8. Cyprus;
9. Germany;
10. Estonia;
11. Belgium;
12. Latvia;
13. Great Britain;
14. Spain;
15. Austria;
16. Lithuania;
17. Ireland;
18. Poland;
19. Greece;
20. Slovenia;
21. Denmark;
22. Slovakia;
23. Sweden;
24. Malta;
25. Finland;
26. Portugal;
27. Hungary;
28. Czech.

The accession to the EU of the countries included in this list took place in several stages. At the first stage, in 1957, 6 European states became part of the formation, in 1973 - three countries, including Great Britain, in 1981 only Greece became a member of the union, in 1986 - the Kingdom of Spain and the Portuguese Republic, in 1995 - three more powers (Kingdom of Sweden, Republic of Austria, Finland). The year 2004 turned out to be especially fruitful, when 10 European countries, including Hungary, Cyprus and other economically developed countries, received EU membership. The last enlargements, which brought the number of EU members to 28, were carried out in 2007 (Romania, Republic of Bulgaria) and 2013.

Quite often, Russians have a question: "Does Montenegro enter the European Union or not?", Since the country's currency is the euro. No, at the moment the state is at the stage of negotiations on the issue of entry.

On the other hand, there are a number of countries that are members of the EU, but the currency used on their territory is not the euro (Sweden, Bulgaria, Romania, etc.). The reason is that these states are not part of the euro area.

What are the requirements for candidates to join

To become a member of the organization, you must meet the requirements, the list of which is displayed in the relevant regulatory legal act, called the "Copenhagen criteria". The etymology of the document is dictated by the place of its signing. The document was adopted in the city of Copenhagen (Denmark) in 1993 during a meeting of the European Council.

List of the main criteria that the candidate must meet:

• application of the principles of democracy on the territory of the country;
• a person and his rights should be in the first place, that is, the state should adhere to the principles of the rule of law and humanism;
• development of the economy and increase of its competitiveness;
• compliance of the country's political course with the goals and objectives of the entire European Union.

Candidates for EU membership are usually subjected to scrutiny, resulting in a decision being made. In case of a negative answer, the country that received a negative answer is provided with a list of the reasons on the basis of which such a decision was made. Non-compliance with the Copenhagen criteria, which are identified during the verification of the candidate, must be eliminated as soon as possible in order to be eligible for EU membership in the future.

Official declared candidates for EU membership

A united Europe has always been a dream for the inhabitants of the continent. Many times, since the Middle Ages, it was "collected" by military means. But the moment came when the countries of the continent united voluntarily, wanting to create a political community leading to economic prosperity.

The foundation of the new alliance was laid by Germany, Italy, Belgium, Luxembourg, France and Holland. Then they were joined by the British, Danes, Irish, and soon the Greeks. But history did not stand still and the opportunity to become part of the new community was used by Portugal, Austria, Spain, then Hungary. Soon, the two northern states - Finland and Sweden - also decided to join the European Union.

At the beginning of the 21st century, ten states joined the EU at once. Approval for entry was given to all three Baltic states, as well as Poland, Malta, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, and Cyprus. The Bulgarians and Romanians were the next to join the ranks of the peoples united under the blue flag adorned with golden stars.

These processes took place from 1957 to 2013. Croatia was the last member of the union.

And in 2016, the first ever attempt to leave the EU was made. The British government organized a general vote: the people spoke in favor of breaking off relations with the EU. The start of the secession process is planned for the end of March 2019, but until then, the UK remains a full-fledged component of the European community. Therefore, now the United Kingdom has the same privileges and responsibilities as other EU countries.

Which countries are no longer part of the European Union?

There are very few states on the European continent that failed to enter the European Union. Switzerland planned to join, but the application was frozen after a national vote was held. The Swiss referendum gave a negative result. For almost the same reason, the EU and Norway cannot be seen on the lists. A referendum was held here twice, and both times the people voted against joining.

Eastern European states that did not join the European Union did so for various reasons. If Ukraine and the Republic of Moldova will have to bring their laws and economy in line with EU standards, then Russia and Belarus have not expressed a desire to become part of a united Europe. And since 2014, the European Union has supported the imposition of sanctions against the Russian Federation due to the situation around Ukraine and Crimea.

Kosovo, Transnistria, Georgia, Moldova, Bosnia cannot be in the EU for political reasons. These are unresolved territorial disputes. These states cannot claim equal membership until they solve their pressing problems.

Countries that left the EU

By 2019, there are no states that would have left the EU. Perhaps only Greenland can be considered such a country. It was in the European Union as part of Denmark, but left in 1985 because the fishermen of the harsh northern island were not satisfied with the low standards for fish catch.

A full-fledged precedent will be created by Great Britain, which begins the process of parting with the European Union this spring. Following the United Kingdom, other states may leave the organization. How many countries in Europe are ready to do this? Analysts from America name six states that can follow the example of England. First, it is Sweden and Denmark. They are in favor of strengthening border controls.

Greece attributes its economic problems to the restrictions it has to comply with because of the requirements of the European Union. From Athens, the capital of the state, voices were repeatedly heard declaring their desire to leave the EU.

The refugee problem also strongly influenced public opinion in Holland, Hungary and France. Most of the inhabitants of these countries have already become Eurosceptics.

Applicants for EU accession

There are a lot of people who want to join the ranks of the European Union. But no more than five of all possible applicants can be considered official candidates. Turkey, Serbia, Montenegro, Macedonia, and Albania are ready to join. Two more states are considered as potential associate members of the EU - Kosovo, Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Turkey is called the state whose prospects for getting into the European Union are estimated as the best. It has been negotiating accession with the EU for more than 20 years. And has been an associate member since 1964. The history of Turkey's attempts to enter the union is full of contradictions.

The country has many supporters within the organization. They believe that Turkey will strengthen the position of the EU in the region. Of course, there are opponents, but despite this, Turkey will probably soon be marked on maps as part of the European Union.

Macedonia, Serbia, Montenegro just a couple of decades ago were parts of one country - Yugoslavia. They were formed as independent states quite recently. Therefore, the process of accession to the EU countries is quite a short time.

The EU itself spends a lot of money and great efforts on unification with Serbia, but the position of this country on a number of political issues makes it doubtful that accession is possible in the near future. Montenegro is now much closer to joining. Macedonia, due to political instability, may even be “overboard”.

Requirements for applicant countries

The list of requirements for everyone who wants to become part of a united Europe is reflected in a document that was drawn up in Copenhagen in 1993. According to him, each state that has applied for entry into the European Union is subject to strict verification. The criteria are:

• adhering to democratic principles. The state should not only verbally adhere to them, but also be able to successfully apply them in the conduct of domestic and foreign policy;
• The most important qualities of a European state that has the right to enter the EU are considered to be practical support at the state level for such democratic procedures as protection of the individual and upholding the priority of legal law;
• the country must successfully develop its own economy, increase its competitiveness;
• there must be a correlation between the principles and objectives of the policy of the candidate country with the course of the European Union.

If the state is refused based on the results of the audit, then it must be provided with a complete list of the reasons for such a decision so that it has the opportunity to eliminate them and re-apply.

Gradation of European countries by years of accession to the EU

Croatia has managed to become the newest member of the European Union. It happened in 2013. Six years earlier, accession had been successfully completed by Bulgaria and Romania. They became part of the "fifth expansion" that had begun nine years earlier. Then the EU was replenished with Cyprus, Malta, Poland, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Slovenia, Hungary, the Baltic states joined. The number of members of the organization has increased significantly.

In 1995, the founding countries managed to attract Sweden, Austria, and Finland. It turned out to unite with the Portuguese and Spaniards in the eighty-sixth. Persuade Greece in 1981. And welcome Great Britain, Denmark, Ireland in 1973.

Post-war Europe has long experienced the difficulties of reconstruction and mutual distrust. But by 1957, the Italians, French and Germans had overcome the contradictions, forgotten the old feuds and laid the foundation for a new history of Europe.

Luxembourg, Belgium and the Netherlands also played an important role. It was they who became the core of the new union, which took shape in 1957 after the signing of an interstate treaty in Rome. It marked the creation of an economic organization that, over its more than half a century of history, has transformed into the modern European Union. Its symbol was the coat of arms depicting 12 sparkling stars on a blue field.

The history of the formation of the EU

Despite the deep roots, the history of the EU is usually counted from 1948, when the Brussels Pact on security cooperation was signed. Three years later, a document on the formation of the European Coal and Steel Community (ECSC) was signed. The agreement was signed by German, French, Italian representatives, as well as diplomats from the Benelux countries. The headquarters of the union is located in Brussels. In Europe, there has been a trend towards unification.

Relations between states developed. In addition to broad economic cooperation, a single police and judicial space was created, and the foundations were laid for a common foreign policy and military security. The Lisbon Agreement shaped the European Union in its present form.

One of the fundamental documents that made it possible not formally, but actually to erase borders from the map of Europe, was an agreement signed near the small Luxembourg village of Schengen. The document made it possible to cancel visas when moving within Europe and thereby create a visa-free zone, which was almost immediately called the Schengen zone.

Expansion history

The forms of cooperation were expanded, as was the list of states that had expressed a desire to work together under the new rules. Of course, at first there were only six of them: Belgium, the Netherlands, Luxembourg, Italy, Germany and France. It took a long 16 years for the first expansion to occur. It happened in 1973 and there were nine participants.

The largest increase in EU membership was the fifth enlargement. The accession document was signed in 2003. Ten states became members of the "European family". The fifth expansion also includes the accession to the European Union of the Bulgarian and Romanian peoples in 2013.

European Parliament officials promise that by 2025 the list of countries will be replenished again.

EU management

The main governing body of the European Union is the European Council. At Council Congresses, all important resolutions that determine the current policy of the EU are adopted. The leaders of all EU countries gather here. It is they who make all decisions, which are then followed by all nation-states. Here, not only political “wishes” are formed, but also normative documents are created that have legal force and are binding on all subordinate structures of both the European Union and national states.

Currency in the European Union

Euro is the official currency of the European Union. It circulates in nineteen countries. Three states, being members of the European Union, still continue to use their own currency. But Andorra, Montenegro, the Vatican, Monaco do not interfere with another currency at all, and the euro is used there as an official means of payment.

The European Central Bank controls the issuance and exchange rate of the euro. Its other task is to determine the financial and economic policy of the association. Having first released its new money on the foreign exchange market in 1999, the EU bank ensured their long life and great popularity. Today, the euro is one of the world's reserve currencies, a status it received thanks to Deutsche Bank, located in Berlin, and the high status of the German mark, of which it became the actual heir.

Economic activity

It is aimed, firstly, at removing barriers within the EU and, secondly, at defending the interests of both the union and its individual members on international trading floors. The EU budget is controlled by the European Court of Auditors, headquartered in Luxembourg.

By bringing together such world leaders in industrial production as Germany, France, Italy, Britain, the European Union can rightfully be considered one of the most powerful economic conglomerates. The GDP of the European Union is estimated at 22% of the world's volume. Bypass it only China and the United States.

Also, the European Union is one of the world leaders in terms of GDP per capita: the average figure was about 35 thousand euros per year. In the Eurozone, Germany leads in terms of wages, and Estonian citizens have one of the lowest incomes.

Legal system

The unique system of law that has emerged in the European Union is based on general and functional law. It is these two pillars that form the basis of the jurisprudence of a united Europe.

Functional law is a combination of two wonderful principles that complement each other. These are the principles of supremacy and direct action. The first of them declares the priority of the laws of the union over the legal acts of the states that are members of the EU. The second allows EU structures to apply laws not only to state entities, but also to residents - individuals, legal entities, which was not previously used by any supranational structures.

Established in 1952 as a court attached to the ECSC. Now it is a permanent institution of the European Union. The basis of its work is the resolution and consideration of cases within its jurisdiction. Makes decisions on legal matters. The activities are regulated by the Charter of the court, which determines the formation, work, limits of competence.

Member states, EU structures, individuals and legal entities can apply to the EU court. Its decision is binding on all national courts. Most of the cases heard by the courts concern the interpretation of EU laws, the resolution of disputes between EU members.

Strasbourg is home to another important element of the European legal system. This is a court that deals with cases related to the violation of human rights. Its jurisdiction extends to all who have signed the Convention for the Protection of Fundamental Freedoms.

Political structure

After the signing of the Lisbon Treaty in 2007, the political structure of the EU has changed. The executive, judicial, and legislative powers acquired a number of additional functions and powers.

The executive branch of the EU has two components:

• European Council;
• European Commission.

Legislative power is represented by:

• the European Parliament;
• Council of the European Union.

The judiciary is a system consisting of three links:

• Court of First Instance;
• Special Judicial Chambers.

The European Union has priority over the Member States in concluding international agreements relating to customs regulations, commercial competition conditions, common trade policy, monetary policy, environmental protection and conservation of resources.

The political structure of the EU states is extremely diverse. The form of government of some countries has not changed since the Middle Ages, a monarchy has been established there. Of course, there are no traces of absolutism for a long time, and kings exist only nominally, but in essence all these European countries have long been parliamentary or presidential republics.

Perspectives in politics

It is believed that now the EU is in crisis. In recent years, the union has been faced with many problems that the states of Europe have tried to solve together. The Ukrainian crisis and the situation around Crimea became severe tests, which led to complications in relations with the Russian Federation and the emergence of military tension in the territories located almost in the center of Europe. Also relevant are the problems of the states of North Africa and the Middle East, which have caused the emergence of hundreds of thousands of refugees.

The unity of the countries that are members of the EU has been shaken, and the influence of Eurosceptics has begun to grow. A particularly strong blow was the referendum in the UK, which led to the country's exit from the European Union. But external and internal political challenges are multiplying, constantly testing the "European family" for strength. Is it so integral and united in 2018-2019? Most likely, only the joint efforts of all members of the Union will be able to lead to a happy resolution of all the complex problems that arise daily before the EU.

Major political parties

Europarties operate simultaneously in several EU member states. They are financed from EU funds and interact both with EU officials and with representatives of individual states.

The oldest registered party is the European People's Party, which has existed since 1976. Representatives position themselves as liberal conservatives. It is the most influential political association in the EU.

It is worth noting such parties as:

• European Green Party (1984);
• European Free Alliance (1989);
• Party of European Socialists (1992);
• Party of the European Left (1998);
• European Democratic Party (2004).

The remaining political associations are younger, they have not yet managed to acquire sufficient political influence.

Corruption in the EU

Corruption regularly becomes the scourge of all large state formations, if control over the activities of financial institutions is insufficient, and management is difficult, even confusing. Such practices of bribery not only undermine the authority of democratic institutions, but also create fertile ground for the development of organized crime.

According to reports from various EU agencies, losses from corruption in 2018 amounted to about 900 billion euros. The main problem is called insufficient control over compliance with the law in some member states of the union. To combat these phenomena, it was proposed to draw up a "corruption rating" of the EU states so that it could influence the distribution of EU money.

EU Armed Forces

The EU does not have a unified armed forces. Within its framework, various mechanisms of interaction between the military of nation states were created. But basically the policy is within the powers of the EU member states.

NATO remains the main military alliance in Europe today. It includes 27 European states, 22 of which are members of the EU.

Nevertheless, the Treaty on the European Union, the new version of which came into force in 2009, provides for a significant interpenetration of the military structures of various EU member states. But the military contingent directly subordinate to the EU is practically absent. Due to disagreements in the European Council, the optimal form of military integration has not yet been found.

EU population

In the 28 member states of the European Union, on an area of ​​​​about 4.5 million square kilometers, the population is more than 500 million people. The largest countries in terms of population are Germany - 81 million people, as well as France - 65 million people. The national composition of Europe has not changed for centuries. Various nations living side by side have long "got used" to each other, and know everything about the habits and ethnic characteristics of their neighbors. The population density in Europe is very high.

Another problem in Europe is the high average age of the population. Every year the percentage of able-bodied Europeans decreases and the number of dependents increases.

It would seem that refugees can help by taking open jobs, but most of them live on benefits that are large enough that there is no need to work. Many do not even try to learn the language or obtain citizenship of their host country. Effective mechanisms for solving these demographic problems have not yet been developed.

EU relations with other countries

Responsibility for relations with states outside the EU lies with the person holding the position of High Representative of the Union. Now in this post is Federica Mogherini. Many EU countries are permanent members of the UN Security Council and take an active part in international politics.

The European Union has existing agreements on cooperation and trade with foreign neighbors. Algeria, Morocco, Egypt, Lebanon, Jordan, Tunisia, Turkey, Israel have managed to become good trading partners of the European Union.

The EU is one of Russia's most important trading partners and a major consumer of Russian gas and oil. The geographical position of the EU countries allows you to quickly receive energy carriers delivered overland using pipelines.

The EU is actively pursuing not only a trade foreign policy. Diplomatic missions of the European Union operate all over the world. They are in New York, in the African Union and even in Afghanistan.

Good day, dear readers! Ruslan welcomes you, and today I will tell you which countries are included in the European Union. We will also look at the history of its creation, development trends, and what it means in general.

I think this is a rather interesting topic, because we are all interested in politics, we go on vacation to different countries, and quite often we hear about the European Union on TV, in the media.

The states that are part of it are independent, have their own state language, local and central governments, but they have a lot in common.

They meet certain criteria, which are called "Copenhagen", the main of which are democracy, protection of human rights and freedoms, as well as adherence to the principle of free trade in a market economy.

All important policy decisions must be coordinated by the EU Member States. There are also common governing bodies - the European Parliament, the court, the European Commission, the audit community that controls the budget of the European Union, and the common currency - the euro.

Basically, all countries that are members of the EU are also members of the Schengen zone, which means that border crossings within the European Union are unimpeded.

How did it all start?

In order to understand in more detail what are the trends in the development of the EU and which powers are included in it, let's turn to history.

The first proposals for such integration were made at the Paris Conference in 1867, but due to the then great contradictions between the countries, these ideas were postponed for a long time, and only after the Second World War they were returned to them.

In the post-war period, only united efforts and resources could restore the affected economies of states.

In 1951, in Paris, France, Germany, Luxenburg, the Netherlands, Belgium and Italy signed the first treaty, the ECSC, thus pooling natural resources.

In 1957, the same states signed agreements on the founding of the European communities of EuroAtom and the EEC.

In 1960, the EFTA association was created.

In 1963, the foundation was laid for the community's relationship with Africa in terms of finance, technology, and trade.

In 1964, a single agricultural market was created and the organization FEOGA, supporting the agricultural sector.

In 1968, the formation of the Customs Union was completed, and in 1973, Great Britain, Denmark and Ireland entered the list of EU countries.

In 1975, the Lo Mei Convention on Trade Cooperation was signed between the EU and 46 countries around the world.

Then, in 1981, Greece joined the European Union, and in 1986, Spain and Portugal.

In 1990 the Schengen Agreement was adopted, in 1992 the Maastricht Treaty was signed.

Officially, the union began to be called the "European Union" in 1993.

Sweden, Finland and Austria joined in 1995.

The non-cash euro was introduced in 1999, and cash payments on it - in 2002.

The EU expanded significantly in 2004, after the accession of Cyprus, Malta, Estonia, Lithuania, Latvia, Slovenia, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary and Poland. Then, in 2007, Romania and Bulgaria joined, and in 2013, Croatia, which became 28 countries included in the EU.

However, not everything is as smooth in the development of the European Union as it might seem. Greenland left the EU in 1985 after gaining independence.

And more recently, in 2016, 52% of the UK population voted in a referendum to leave the union, in connection with which early parliamentary elections will be held in the country on June 8, 2017, after which specific negotiations will begin within a month on England's withdrawal from the Union. European Union.

If you look at the map of the Eurozone, you will notice that it also includes territories (mostly islands) that are not part of Europe, but are part of the EU member states.

It should be noted that now there is an ambiguous situation in the world, many countries of the union have different views on the prospects for its development, especially after the decision of England.

Who claims to be included in the EU?

If powers that are not part of the European Union wish to be included in its list, then they must comply with the "Copenhagen criteria". They undergo a special check, based on the results of which a decision is made on joining the EU.

At the moment there are 5 official contenders - Montenegro, Macedonia, Turkey, Serbia and Albania.

Bosnia and Herzegovina is a potential contender.

The Association Agreement was previously signed by countries located on other continents - Egypt, Jordan, Chile, Israel, Mexico and others - all of them are also contenders.

Eastern partners of the European Union are Ukraine, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Armenia, Moldova and Georgia.

Basic principles of economic activity of countries

The activity of the European Union consists of the economies of its member countries, which are independent elements in international trade.

The undoubted advantage of the EU for citizens of any of its members is that they have the right to live and work in any country within the Union. For example, it is much easier for Germans to move to France than for us.

Spain, Great Britain, France, Germany and Italy bring the largest part of the EU's income. The strategic resources include gas, oil and coal, in terms of the reserves of which the European Union occupies 14th place in the world, which, you see, when taking into account its territory, is not so much.

The European Union brings large incomes from tourism, which is facilitated by a single currency, the absence of visas, and the expansion of trade and partnerships between states.

Now various forecasts are being made about how many more countries will join the EU, but according to experts, states from other continents will join the integration of economies the fastest.

Attention! Attention check:

1. How many countries are in the EU in total?
2. Which country is leaving the EU?
3. Which EU country is not listed below?

Write in the comments.

Thus, we have examined with you the history of the emergence and development of the European Union, the list of participating countries, as well as what it implies and what advantages it gives.

This is where our article ends.

I want to wish you a good day! See you soon!

Sincerely, Ruslan Miftakhov.

The European Union (EU) is a unique economic and political association 27 European countries which formed the "common market", primarily ensuring the free movement of goods and people.

Within the EU, there is a single currency - the euro, which, as of 2020, is used 19 participating countries, and has its own parliament, empowered to make decisions in a wide range of areas - from issues related to environmental protection to the setting of tariffs for mobile communications.

MAP OF EU COUNTRIES

EU countries

The current list of countries that are members of the European Union in 2020 (today) is as follows.

EUROPEAN UNION COUNTRIES 2019

On Thursday, June 23, 2016, a referendum was held in the UK, known throughout the world as Brexit. More than 30 million human. The final turnout was 71.8%. As a result, 51.9% of the British expressed their desire to leave the European Union. At the same time, the majority of citizens of England and Wales supported the exit from the EU, while the inhabitants of Scotland and Northern Ireland were against it.

According to Article 50 of the Lisbon Treaty, which entered into force in 2009, any EU country has the right to leave this association. This article regulates the procedure for leaving the EU, in particular, a maximum of 2 years is provided for the final agreement of the conditions. The official start of the process of separation of the UK from the European Union was scheduled for March 29, 2019. This was followed by a six-month extension to October 31, 2019.

Important. At midnight between 31 January and 1 February 2020 CET, the UK formally left the European Union. The country lost representation and the right to vote in the EU authorities, but at the same time remained part of the single economic space until the end of 2020. Within 11 months, the UK and the EU must agree on new terms of trade and cooperation.

The list of EU countries in 2020, unlike 2019, includes not 28, but 27 states.

Creation of the European Union

The idea of ​​creating the European Union arose against the backdrop of the horrific aftermath of World War II. In order to avoid a repetition of such events and to maximally connect countries with each other economically, in 1950 French Foreign Minister Robert Schuman proposed to unite the coal and steel industries in Europe.

As a result, in 1951, six states - France, West Germany, Italy, Belgium, the Netherlands, Luxembourg - signed Treaty of Paris and created the European Coal and Steel Community. The rapid growth of trade relations over 6 years led to the conclusion Rome Accords 1957, which led to the formation of the European Economic Community - foundation of the modern EU.

The European Union in its current form was created on the basis of Maastricht Treaty, effective from November 1, 1993, which led to the emergence of a single European currency - Euro. Subsequently, changes were made to the main EU agreements in accordance with the agreements signed in Amsterdam (1997), Nice (2001) and Lisbon (2009).

Accession of countries to the European Union

The first wave of EU enlargement took place in 1973, after the UK, Ireland and Denmark joined the union. In 1981, Greece joined, and 5 years later (1986) - Portugal and Spain. In 1995, Austria, Finland and Sweden joined the European Union.

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

Functioning of the EU

The combined population of EU member states exceeds 510 million people. Previously, an exclusively economic union over the years of its existence has turned into a powerful political association, jointly solving the problems of security, migration, climate change, healthcare, education and much more. The fundamental principles of the European Union are based on a single internal market that ensures the free movement of goods, services, money and people, including labor.

The core values ​​of the EU include the rule of law, freedom, democracy, equality, respect for human rights and dignity. The functioning of the European Union is ensured 7 main institutions:

European Council.

Council of the European Union.

Court of the European Union.

European Court of Accounts.

European Central Bank.

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

Many EU member states receive significant funds from the general budget to support the economy and social development, which significantly exceed the amount of initial contributions. Thus, sovereignty and the ability to significantly influence important decisions made within the European Union are partially lost. Germany has been considered the political and economic leader of the EU for many years.

Candidates for EU membership

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

To join the European Union, a candidate country must meet the so-called Copenhagen criteria which are based on democratic government, respect for human rights, the functioning of a market economy and commitment to the goals and intentions of the EU. The right to join the European Union on a geographical basis is fixed in Article 49 Maastricht Treaty.

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

Turkey - application dated 1987

Macedonia - application dated 2004

Montenegro - application from 2008

Albania - application from 2009

Serbia - application from 2009

Negotiations on accession to the EU are conducted by all countries except Albania and Macedonia. Bosnia and Herzegovina and Kosovo are considered potential candidates. In 2014, the European Union signed association agreements with Ukraine, Georgia and Moldova, which is not a basis for applying for EU membership, but membership is possible in the future. According to the statements of high-ranking European officials, it can be concluded that in in the coming years, the replenishment of the European Union with new countries should not be expected.

The state is built on a visa-free regime, has a single economic space and currency. Having sovereignty, all countries live in accordance with the developed general rules that apply to all walks of life, whether it be international politics, education, medicine or social services.

The history of the organization

For the first time, the idea of ​​integrating European states was voiced at a conference in Paris, which took place in 1867. However, it was not implemented. The disagreements between the participants were so significant that before joining the European Union they had to go through two world wars.

The trend towards unification emerged shortly after the end of the Second World War, when the leading countries came to a common opinion that the regeneration and development of economies is real only with close joint cooperation. The idea of ​​the fifty-year path of the countries of Europe towards unification is most traceable in the sequence of all events.

Chronology

Initially, joining the union meant the integration of the coal mining and steel industries of two large countries - England and France. This was mentioned in 1950 by the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the latter. In those days, no one imagined such a significant expansion of the organization.

The European Union was created in 1957. It includes countries with developed economies. The organization included the Kingdom of the Netherlands, Germany, France, Italy, and Belgium. Since March 1957, such states as Finland, Austria and Sweden have joined the union.

In the spring of 2003, at the EU summit in Greece, an agreement was signed on admitting 10 more countries to the ranks. As a result, Slovenia integrated in 2007, followed a year later by Cyprus and Malta. Slovakia joined in 2009 and Estonia in 2001. Since the beginning of 2014, Latvia has been announced as the 18th member of the European Union. Also joined the Czech Republic, Poland, Lithuania, Hungary.

Some EU member states have also included territories that are under political subordination. For example, along with France, Reunion, Martinique, Guadeloupe, Mayotte and French Guiana entered. Spain attracted the Canary Islands and the provinces of Melilla and Ceuta. In parallel with Portugal, Madeira and the Azores entered. Despite such a significant expansion, Greenland left the EU in 1985.

So how many EU members are there? Croatia was the last country to join cooperation within the EU. This happened in 2013. She became the 28th participant. At the moment, the union does not increase and does not decrease.

Criteria for joining the association

Not all states comply with EU requirements. The content of the main rules is set out in a special document. By 1993, the experience of coexistence of states had been accumulated and, on this basis, general criteria were adopted that were taken into account when a new country joined the association.

The norms were adopted in Copenhagen and received the corresponding name - Copenhagen. The core of the rules are democratic values. The main attention is paid to freedom and respect for the rights of every citizen. A big role is assigned to the fact that potential members of the European Union have the right to compete with their economies. The general principles of building the state should be based on the objectives of the standards of the Union.

How are decisions made?

Before taking any important step in the field of policy, all members of the European Union are obliged to bring the issue to public consideration.

It will be approved in accordance with the Copenhagen criteria. The final decision can significantly affect the public life of the country.

Each state in Europe that wants to add to the list of countries is checked for compliance with particular scrupulousness. As a result, a verdict is issued on the readiness or unreadiness of accepting a new country into the union. In case of refusal, the state is pointed out to its failure in one or another area. Deficiencies should be brought to the norm. After that, the country is subjected to regular monitoring of how systematically the necessary reforms are being carried out. Based on the data obtained, a conclusion is made about the readiness for integration.

Availability of a single currency

The member states of the European Union, in addition to the general political vector and visa-free space, use a single monetary unit - the euro. Banknotes have been introduced since 2002 in countries such as Belgium, Germany, Greece, Spain, France, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Portugal, Austria and Finland.

By 2016, 19 out of 28 countries accepted the euro on their territory. Other EU members are preparing the transition to this currency. The exceptions are England and Denmark. These countries have a special waiver. Sweden has also expressed opposition to using the euro, but may change its mind in the near future.

Candidates for affiliation

Most European countries are striving for full membership in the EU. Associate candidates for 2016 — Serbia, Turkey, Montenegro, Macedonia and Albania. Bosnia and Herzegovina is among the potential contenders.

Over the years, the accession treaty was signed by some other countries. They also include states located outside of Europe, which indicates that the EU goes beyond the Eurasian continent. Applicants for entry are also countries with developing economies.

Ukraine and Moldova also expressed their desire to join. This happened in 2014. It is still difficult to judge how the integration of countries with developing economies will affect Europe.

What does the membership agreement imply?

The accession agreement implies the mandatory implementation of major reforms in the associative states, the improvement of the legislative framework in accordance with European standards.

In exchange for this, countries can receive duty-free presence in the European market, financial and technical assistance.

To date, there are 17 associate members of the European Union. Not all of them are in Europe. Even Palestine is listed among the contenders.

During the entire existence of the EU, many association agreements have been signed, it's just that many European countries have left the framework of the association and become full members of the EU (Poland, Romania, Bulgaria).

In 20 years, the Russian Federation may join the ranks of the EU

Russia is a member of the European Union... Is it real?

Milos Zeman expressed his opinion on this issue. According to him, the economies of Russia and Europe complement each other. The first needs improved technologies, and the second needs energy resources. At the same time, the Czech leader expressed confidence that freedom of speech, transparency of elections are respected in our country, there is no oppression of opposition parties and there is self-government in the regions.

The role of the UK in the EU

The UK is a member of the European Union, but after the victory in the 2015 elections, John Cameron proposed the idea of ​​England leaving the organization. The EU was in crisis. This proposal was not implemented, and the collapse of the organization was prevented.

At the summit in Brussels, held in 2016, an agreement was signed to give the UK a special status.

Members of the European Union made this state significant concessions:

• For 7 years - from 2017 to 2023 - the British government will not pay social benefits, first in full, and then partially to labor migrants from other European countries.
• England and other EU countries get the right to index benefits for the children of migrants who remain in their country. The payments will be based not on the standard of living in the Kingdom, but on the social conditions of the country where the child lives. This provision is valid until January 1, 2020.
• Political unification will no longer be required of the people of Britain.
• England was given the right to defend its commercial segment of the City. British firms will not be discriminated against for not being part of the eurozone.
• Questions of national security of the Kingdom will remain in the governmental competence.
• The troops of England will not become part of the all-European army if one is created.

According to German Chancellor Angela Merkel, innovations in the payment of child benefits are also beneficial for her country. She is unanimous with Cameron on cuts to social benefits.

Is it too early to celebrate?

Inspired by his victory, the British Prime Minister will begin to agitate the citizens of England about not leaving the EU. However, it is rather difficult to say with certainty that this proposal will win the elections.

Cameron is sure of total victory, but there are those who doubt it.

Some skeptics of the agreement remained dissatisfied. They consider it insignificant. The opposition claims that the prime minister promised more privileges in the Conservative manifesto.

There are enough opponents of the EU in the British government itself. For example, such is the Minister of Justice Michael Gove. He does not hide his negative attitude towards the EU and will agitate the citizens of England to vote against integration.

Even in the Conservative Party itself, of which Cameron is a representative, there is no unanimity on this issue. Therefore, the struggle for the UK to leave the EU will continue.

The British will offer a referendum. It was originally supposed to be held in 2017. But more and more often another date sounds - June 23, 2016, although officially this information is not supported by anything.

Features of the economic life of the EU

EU Economy — the sum of the economies of all its constituent countries. Along with this, each state in the international market is a separate player.

The European Union protects the interests of each member and acts as a regulator of all controversial issues. Each country is required to contribute its share of GDP and the total contribution. The EU members that contribute the lion's share of income are France, Italy, Germany, England and Spain.

The specific amount of income from each state is calculated by a special body. If we take into account all the natural resources of the EU members, then we can derive the coefficient of the amount of wealth that the organization has in 2016. The main natural resources are oil, coal and gas. The overall indicator of the stock of black gold in terms of production puts the EU in 13th place in the world.

Another powerful lever of income is the tourism business. The population of the European Union is actively moving, which facilitates the opening of borders. This factor, as well as the common currency, contribute to lively relations in the field of trade and tourism between states.

Thus, the EU, which was originally conceived as a trade association of several countries, has grown by 2016 into an almost independent unit, including 28 members. The total population of the association is 500 million people.

The accumulation of economies determines the highly efficient reallocation of funds and resources and helps to support states that have weaker economies.

Conclusion

The most important characteristic of the current stage of EU development is the symbiosis of factors that influence the desire of states for integration. The new members of the European Union consider the material side to be a priority. Many of them also provide for military cooperation in NATO.

For most of the old members, questions of a political and international nature are coming to the fore. Such a difference in goals inevitably required the development of new criteria and a fundamental reform of the very structure of the union.