Countries included in the euro union. How the European Union works
The idea of \u200b\u200bcreating a community european states appeared after the Second World War. Officially, the countries of the European Union united in 1992, when the Union was legally consolidated. Gradually, the list of EU member states expanded, and now it already includes 28 states. You can see which countries are now members of the European Union in the list below.
What is the European Union (EU)
The European powers that have joined this community have state sovereignty and independence, each of them has its own language, its own governing bodies, both local and central. Nevertheless, they have a lot in common. There are certain criteria that they must comply with; they must coordinate all important political decisions with each other.
States wishing to join this oasis of prosperity must prove their commitment to the main principles of the Union and European values:
- Democracy.
- Protection of human rights.
- The principles of free trade in a market economy.
The EU has its own governing bodies: the European Parliament, the European Court of Justice, the European Commission, as well as a special audit community that controls the budget of the European Union.
With the help of common laws, the countries that are now members of the EU have effectively created a single market. Many of them use a single currency - the euro. In addition, the majority, which allows their citizens to travel almost freely throughout the European Union.
Countries in the European Union (EU)
Today the EU includes the following countries:
- Austria.
- Bulgaria.
- Belgium.
- Great Britain.
- Germany.
- Hungary.
- Greece.
- Italy.
- Spain.
- Denmark.
- Ireland.
- Lithuania.
- Latvia.
- Republic of Cyprus.
- Malta.
- Netherlands.
- Luxembourg.
- Slovenia.
- Slovakia.
- Poland.
- Finland.
- France.
- Portugal.
- Romania.
- Croatia.
- Sweden.
- Czech.
- Estonia.
These are the countries on the EU list for 2020. In addition, there are several other candidate countries for membership in the community: Serbia, Montenegro, Macedonia, Turkey and Albania.
There is a special map of the European Union, on which you can clearly see its geography:
The economic activities of the EU member states have a lot in common. The economy of each of the states is independent, but they all contribute certain shares that make up the total GDP.
In addition, the EU has a policy customs union... This means that its members can trade with other members without any quantitative restrictions and without paying fees. In relation to the powers that are not part of the community, a single customs tariff applies.
Since the founding of the EU, not a single member state has left it. The only exception was Greenland, a Danish autonomy with fairly broad powers, which in 1985 withdrew from the Union, outraged by the reduction in fishing quotas. Finally, a sensational event was the referendum in the UK, held in June 2016, in which the majority of the population voted for the country's secession from the Union. This indicates that considerable problems are ripening in this influential community.
In 2016, many people around the world recognized the word Brexit. This was the name of the possible withdrawal of Great Britain from the European Union, about which a referendum was held in the country on June 23 of the same year. But what about now? Is Great Britain a member of the European Union, what are its relations with a united Europe? Let's try to figure it out.
State composition
The United Kingdom or the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, an island state in northwestern Europe, is a rather unusual country in terms of its territorial structure. It is unitary, while the constituent parts, which are England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, enjoy a very wide autonomy.
England
The largest and most famous part of the United Kingdom. Actually, when they talk about England, they often mean the whole of Great Britain. Most of the population of the United Kingdom lives here, and its main attractions and industrial enterprises are located. It is in England that one of the oldest higher educational institutions the planet - and the capital of Great Britain - London.
Scotland
A mountainous country known for castles, whiskey, the Loch Ness monster and colorful locals. Less well known is the fact that its territory includes about eight hundred islands, of which about three hundred are uninhabitable. In 2014, an independence referendum was held in Scotland, where opponents of secession from the UK gained the upper hand by a small margin.
Wales
Perhaps the least known part of the UK. Meanwhile, it boasts a large number of castles - there are about six hundred of them. On the territory of Wales, two official languages \u200b\u200bare recognized - English and Welsh, the latter being one of the oldest on the planet.
Northern Ireland
Located in the northeast of the island of Ireland. The smallest part of the United Kingdom. It should not be confused with the Republic of Ireland, which is an independent state. Official languages this area, besides English, are Ulster-Scottish and Irish. In addition to the Celtic flavor, its natural beauty is remarkable.
Which countries are members of the European Union
The idea of \u200b\u200ba united Europe began to take over the minds after the bloody Second World War. Nevertheless, the European nations had a long way to go before political unification. At the moment, the European Union is not a state, it is only a political and economic association, which includes 28 member states:
- Denmark;
- France;
- Hungary;
- Belgium;
- Austria;
- Italy;
- Greece;
- Ireland;
- Spain;
- Germany;
- Cyprus;
- Latvia;
- Poland;
- Bulgaria;
- Lithuania;
- Malta;
- Slovenia;
- Slovakia;
- Finland;
- Luxembourg;
- Estonia;
- Romania;
- Croatia;
- Portugal;
- Czech;
- Netherlands;
- Sweden.
Each member of the EU delegates part of its powers to allied bodies, while maintaining sovereignty. Within the framework of this organization, there are various agreements that can unite all participating countries, or only some of them. An example of the latter is the Eurozone, which includes 19 states that have abandoned their national money in favor of the euro. Great Britain is not among them, its currency is still the pound sterling.
UK and EU today
On January 1, 1973, when Great Britain joined the EU, or rather the European Economic Community, which preceded the current European Union, British politicians rejoiced at the long-awaited success. The fact is that the country was there only the third time. The first two applications were rejected due to the veto of French President de Gaulle.
Returning to the question whether the UK is in the EU or not, in 2019 one can give an unequivocal answer: the United Kingdom is a member of the European Union. Nevertheless, we can say with a high degree of confidence that she has been there for the last year. In 2016, a popular referendum was held, at which the subjects of Her Majesty decided whether or not to be a member of the association. The supporters of the branch won with a minimal advantage, motivating their position by the economic disadvantage of membership in the organization. The country's exit from the EU is scheduled for March 2019.
Is it Schengen
For those who wish to visit the country of the Beatles and Sherlock Holmes, the question will be relevant: whether England is a Schengen member or not. In 2019, a UK visa will be required to enter the United Kingdom. The fact is that the UK is not part of the Schengen area. The process of obtaining a visa begins with the preparation of a questionnaire, which must be filled out on the embassy's website. It must be printed, certified with your signature and a photo must be pasted in the place provided for this. Next you will need:
- a passport, the validity of which must expire no earlier than six months after the end of the trip;
- one more photo;
- a certificate from work, which contains information about the position and monthly income (for a pensioner - a pension certificate).
This state association includes: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Great Britain, Hungary, Germany, Greece, Denmark, Ireland, Spain, Italy, Cyprus, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia , Finland, France, Croatia, Czech Republic, Sweden and Estonia.
At the very beginning of the 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 other 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 members of the Union in Madrid two years later. States must observe the basic principles of democracy, respect freedom and rights, as well as the foundations of the rule of law. A potential member of the organization must have a competitive market economy and recognize the common rules and standards already adopted in the European Union.
The European Union also has its own motto - “Harmony in Diversity”, as well as the anthem “Ode to Joy”.
European countries that are not members of the European Union
European countries that are not members 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, Macedonia, San Marino, Serbia and Montenegro in Southern Europe;
- Azerbaijan, Georgia, Kazakhstan and Turkey partly located in Europe;
- as well as the unrecognized states of the Republic of Kosovo and Transnistria.
Currently, Turkey, Iceland, Macedonia, Serbia and Montenegro are in the status of possible candidates for membership in the European Union.
The Western Balkan countries - Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo - are already included in this expansion program. Nevertheless, the latter state has not yet been recognized by the European Union as independent due to the fact that the secession of Kosovo from Serbia has not yet been recognized by all members of the organization.
Several so-called "dwarf" states - Andorra, Vatican, Monaco and San Marino, although they use the euro, still maintain relations with the European Union only through agreements on partial cooperation.
The increased number of conflicts in the international arena creates an urgent need to update information on the composition international organizations.
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The article provides the history of the European Union, as well as a list of countries that are official candidates for accession to the EU as of 2020.
What it is
European Union (European Union) is an international, integrating 28 european countries and special territories under their control outside Europe.
The purpose of the association is the formation of a single regional space with a similar political and economic structure.
The member states of the EU commit themselves to remain committed to democratic values.
The political basis is formed by the following institutions:
| The European Council is the Union's highest political body, composed of the heads of government or EU member states | Also, the Council includes the President of the European Commission and the President of the Council itself. Since 2014, former Prime Minister of Poland Donald Tusk has been serving as Chairman of the Council. Determines the main directions of the Union's integration policy, and also has the authority to change international treatiesconcluded within the framework of integration. Council decisions are binding on all countries that have spoken in favor of their adoption |
| European Commission - the highest executive body of the Union | The Commission is made up of commissioners - each EU member state appoints one of its representatives to this position. From among these, one President is elected - since 2014, Jean-Claude Juncker, representative of Luxembourg. The European Commission implements decisions of the EU legislative bodies, as well as considers draft laws and monitors compliance with treaties |
| Council of the European Union (Council, Council of Ministers) - the legislative body of the Union, consisting of 28 ministers (one from each state) | The Council is divided into 10 formations that consider a certain range of issues. In addition, he is endowed with a number of executive powers on foreign and security policy. |
| The European Parliament is the legislative and representative body of the Union | Which consists of 751 deputies elected by the citizens of the participating countries. The deputies are divided according to the principle of belonging to a certain faction, of which there are 8. Control over the actions of the Parliament during sessions is carried out by the Chairman. The European Parliament not only fulfills the legislative function, sharing it with the Council, but also controls the Commission. Also, the powers of this body include the definition of budgetary policy. |
| The Court of Justice of the European Union - the highest judicial authority | Consists of 11 judges, general advocates, including 6 permanent and 5 rotating, chambers and plenums, as well as the President |
| European Court of Accounts - the body that controls the income and expenses of EU institutions | Financial management, and performing some executive functions. The chamber consists of 28 members |
| European Central Bank - the central banking authority of the EU | Headed by 28 executives. The Bank's task is to maintain price stability. The bank is authorized to formulate the monetary policy of the EU, determine interest rates, and issue euros |
In addition, the EU:
- It is not a supranational entity.
- Acts as a subject of public international law.
- Represents the UN, WTO, G7 and G20.
- Has 24 official languages
History of the creation of the European Union
The EU dates back to 1951, when the FRG, Italy, France, Belgium, the Netherlands and Luxembourg signed the Paris Agreement, which became the beginning of the European Coal and Steel Community (ECSC).
It is believed that the institutions of this association became the prototype of the existing EU bodies.The next stage in the unification of states was the signing of the same "six" of the Rome Treaty in 1957, which established the European Economic Community (EEC) and the European Atomic Energy Community (Euratom).
The EEC gave signatory countries the opportunity to unify domestic markets and remove obstacles to economic integration.
In 1965 in Brussels, the Six signed a "merger agreement" that consolidated the European Coal and Steel Community, the economic community and the atomic energy community.
Thus, the executive bodies of all three entities have merged into a single institution - the European Commission, and the organizations themselves - into the European Community.
Since 1973, the Community begins to grow - Great Britain, Denmark, Ireland, then Greece (1981) join the Six.
By 1986, following the accession of Spain and Portugal, the European Community had 12 members.
The Maastricht Treaty, signed in 1992 by all member states of the European Community, establishes the European Union.
Three directions of integration are emerging - economic, foreign and domestic.
By that time, the EU is replenishing - in 1995 Austria, Finland and Sweden joined the organization.
In 2004, the EU was replenished with 10 new members (Hungary, Cyprus, the Baltic countries, Poland, Slovakia, Slovenia, Czech Republic), but faced a problem - the level of the economy of the new members was significantly lower than the indicators of the six and the previously joined states.
This was also the case for Bulgaria and Romania that joined the EU in 2007. By 2013, after Croatia joined the European Union, a list of 28 countries participating in the integration was formed.
What are the requirements for candidates
In 1993, during a meeting held in Copenhagen, the council determined the main criteria that a country must meet when applying for EU membership.
In addition to the general geographical criterion - the location of the country within Europe (does not apply to special territories), the following requirements are distinguished:
Officially applied for membership
Such as:
| Albania | official candidate since 2014 |
| Macedonia | since 2005. It is noted that the state has made progress in bringing legislation in line with EU requirements, but the economic potential is insufficient |
| Serbia | official candidate since 2012. The main barriers to entry are economic situation countries and the Kosovo problem |
| Turkey | since 2005. Some aspects of Turkish law and state policy hinder EU accession |
| Montenegro | official candidate since 2010. It is noted that the state needs to carry out significant reforms to join the EU |
Features of economic activity
| Creation of the Eurozone | and ensuring its control |
| EU member states commit to | ensure that public debt does not exceed 60% of GDP |
| The Union provides | compliance with antitrust laws |
| Development of the integration of the infrastructure of the EU member states is underway | eg navigation system "Galileo" |
| Implements a unified agricultural policy | which aims to stabilize agriculture and establish affordable prices |
| Increase in tourists to EU member states | provided including through the single European Schengen area |
| The EU | world's largest exporter of goods and services |
| Main trading partners | are China and India |
Video: comparing countries
(from January 1)
Council of the European Union
(from May 8)
- General
4 892 685 km²
- Total ()
- Density
499.673.325
116.4 people / km²
- Total ()
- GDP / person
$ 17.08 · 10¹²
$ 39,900
Signed
Entered into force
7 february
Nov. 1
(from +1 to +3 during Summer Time)
(with French overseas departments,
UTC from −4 to +4)
European Union (European Union, The EU) - the union of 27 European states that have signed European Union Treaty (Maastricht Treaty). The EU is a unique international entity: it combines the features of an international organization and a state, but formally it is neither one nor the other. The Union is not a subject of public international law, but has the authority to participate in international relations and plays a big role in them.
Special and dependent territories of the EU member states
EU territory on the world map European Union Outer regions Non-European states and territories
Special territories outside Europe, belonging to the European Union:
Also, in accordance with Article 182 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union ( Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union), the member states of the European Union associate with the European Union lands and territories outside Europe, which maintain a special relationship with:
France -
The Netherlands -
United Kingdom -
Requirements for candidates for EU membership
To join the European Union, the candidate country must meet the Copenhagen criteria. Copenhagen criteria - the criteria for countries to join the European Union, which were adopted in June 1993 at a meeting of the European Council in Copenhagen and confirmed in December 1995 at a meeting of the European Council in Madrid. The criteria require that the state observes democratic principles, the principles of freedom and respect for human rights, as well as the principle of the rule of law (Art. 6, Art. 49 of the Treaty on the European Union). Also, the country must have a competitive market economy and the common EU rules and standards must be recognized, including a commitment to the goals of a political, economic and monetary union.
History
Czech presidency logo in the first half of 2009
The ideas of pan-Europeanism, long put forward by thinkers throughout the history of Europe, sounded with particular force after the Second World War. In the post-war period, a number of organizations appeared on the continent: the Council of Europe, NATO, the Western European Union.
The first step towards the creation of a modern European Union was made in: Germany, Belgium, the Netherlands, Luxembourg, France, Italy signed an agreement on the establishment of the European Coal and Steel Community (ECSC, ECSC - European Coal and Steel Community), the purpose of which was to unite European resources for the production of steel and coal, this agreement entered into force in July 1952.
In order to deepen economic integration, the same six states established (EEC, Common Market) ( EEC - European Economic Community) and (Euratom, Euratom - European Atomic Energy Community). The most important and broadest in terms of competence of these three European communities was the EEC, so in 1993 it was officially renamed the European Community ( EC - European Community).
The process of development and transformation of these European communities into the modern European Union took place through, firstly, the transfer of an increasing number of management functions to the supranational level and, secondly, an increase in the number of integration participants.
History of EU enlargement
| Year | A country | General quantity members |
|---|---|---|
| March 25, 1957 | Belgium, Germany 1, Italy, Luxembourg, Netherlands, France ² | 6 |
| January 1, 1973 | Great Britain *, Denmark ³, Ireland | 9 |
| January 1, 1981 | Greece | 10 |
| January 1, 1986 | , | 12 |
| January 1, 1995 | , Finland, Sweden | 15 |
| May 1, 2004 | Hungary, Cyprus, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Poland, Slovakia, Slovenia, Estonia | 25 |
| January 1, 2007 | Bulgaria, Romania | 27 |
Notes
² Includes overseas departments Guadeloupe, Martinique, Reunion and French Guiana. Algeria seceded from France (and the EU) on July 5, 1962. Saint Pierre and Miquelon was an overseas department (and part of the EU) from 1983 to 1983. Saint Barthelemy and Saint Martin, which seceded from Guadeloupe on February 22, 2007, will return to the EU following the entry into force of the Lisbon Treaty.
° In 1973, the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland (UK) joined the EU along with the Channel Islands, Isle of Man and Gibraltar
Norway
- The first pillar, the European Communities, brings together the predecessors of the EU: the European Community (formerly the European Economic Community) and the European Atomic Energy Community (Euratom). The third organization, the European Coal and Steel Community (ECSC), ceased to exist in 2002 in accordance with the Paris Treaty that established it.
- The second pillar is called the Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP).
- The third pillar is “police and judicial cooperation in criminal matters”.
With the help of “pillars”, the treaties delimit policy areas that fall within the EU's competence. In addition, the pillars provide a visual representation of the role of EU member states governments and EU institutions in the decision-making process. Within the framework of the first pillar, the role of EU institutions is decisive. Decisions here are made by the "community method". The Community has jurisdiction over issues related to, inter alia, a common market, a customs union, a single currency (while some of the members retain their own currency), a common agricultural policy and a common fisheries policy, some migration and refugee issues, and a cohesion policy ). In the second and third pillars, the role of EU institutions is minimal and decisions are made by the EU member states. This method of decision making is called intergovernmental. As a result of the Nice Treaty (2001), some issues of migration and refugees, as well as issues of ensuring gender equality in the workplace, were moved from the second to the first pillar. Consequently, on these issues, the role of EU institutions in relation to EU member states has increased.
Today, membership in the European Union, the European Community and Euratom is one, all states entering the Union become members of the Communities.
Chamber of Auditors
The Court of Auditors was established in 1975 to audit the budget of the EU and its institutions. Structure. The House is composed of representatives of the member states (one from each member state). They are appointed by the Council by unanimous decision for a six-year term and are completely independent in the performance of their duties.
- verifies the income and expenditure reports of the EU and all its institutions and bodies with access to EU funds;
- monitors the quality of financial management;
- after the end of each financial year, draw up a report on its work, and also submit to the European Parliament and the Council conclusions or comments on specific issues;
- helps the European Parliament to monitor the execution of the EU budget.
Headquarters - Luxembourg.
European Central Bank
The European Central Bank was formed in 1998 from banks of 11 EU countries that are members of the Eurozone (Germany, Spain, France, Ireland, Italy, Austria, Portugal, Finland, Belgium, Netherlands, Luxembourg). Greece, which introduced the euro on January 1, 2001, became the twelfth country in the euro area.
In accordance with Art. 8 of the Treaty establishing the European Community was founded European System of Central Banks is a supranational financial regulatory body that unites the European Central Bank (ECB) and the national central banks of all 27 member states of the European Union. The ESCB is governed by the governing bodies of the ECB.
European investment bank
Created according to the Treaty, on the basis of capital provided by the member countries. The EIB is endowed with the functions of a commercial bank, operates in the international financial markets, and provides loans to government agencies of member countries.
Economic and Social Committee
(Economic and Social Committee) is an EU advisory body. Formed in accordance with the Treaty of Rome.
Structure. Consists of 344 members called advisers.
Functions. Consults the Council and the Commission on the issues of social and economic policy of the EU. Presents various areas economy and social groups (employers, persons of hired labor and liberal professions employed in industry, agriculture, the service sector, as well as representatives of public organizations).
Members of the Committee are appointed by the Council by unanimous decision for a period of 4 years. The Committee elects a Chairperson from among its members for a term of 2 years. After the admission of new states to the EU, the number of the Committee will not exceed 350 (see Table 2).
Place of meetings. The committee meets once a month in Brussels.
Committee of the Regions
(Committee of the Regions).
The Committee of the Regions is an advisory body ensuring representation of regional and local administrations in the work of the EU. The committee was established in accordance with the Maastricht Treaty and has been in effect since March 1994.
Consists of 344 members representing regional and local authoritiesbut completely independent in the performance of their duties. The number of members from each country is the same as in the Economic and Social Committee. Nominations are approved by the Council by unanimous decision on the proposals of the Member States for a period of 4 years. The Committee shall elect from among its members a Chairperson and others officials for a period of 2 years.
Functions. Advises the Council and the Commission and gives opinions on all issues affecting the interests of the regions.
Place of sessions. Plenary sessions are held in Brussels 5 times a year.
European Ombudsman Institute
The European Ombudsman Institution deals with citizens' complaints about the mismanagement of an EU institution or body. The decisions of this body are not binding, but have significant social and political influence.
15 specialized agencies and bodies
European Monitoring Center against Racism and Xenophobia, Europol, Eurojust.
EU law
A feature of the European Union that distinguishes it from other international organizations is the existence of its own law, which directly regulates the relations not only of the member states, but also of their citizens and legal entities.
EU law consists of the so-called primary, secondary and tertiary (decisions of the Court of Justice of the European Communities). Primary law - the founding agreements of the EU; agreements making changes to them (revision agreements); accession treaties for new member states. Secondary law - acts issued by EU bodies. The decisions of the EU Court of Justice and other Union courts are widely used as case law.
EU law has direct effect on the territory of the EU countries and takes precedence over the national legislation of the states.
EU law is subdivided into institutional law (rules governing the procedure for the creation and functioning of EU institutions and bodies) and substantive law (rules governing the process of realizing the goals of the EU and the EU communities). The substantive law of the EU, like the law of individual countries, can be divided into sectors: EU customs law, environmental law EU, EU transport law, EU tax law, etc. Taking into account the structure of the EU ("three pillars"), EU law is also subdivided into the law of the European Communities, Schengen law, etc.
Languages \u200b\u200bof the European Union
23 languages \u200b\u200bare officially used equally in European institutions.
