The EU was not always as big as it is today. When European countries started to cooperate economically in 1951, only Belgium, Germany, France, Italy, Luxembourg and the Netherlands participated. The Union currently counts 27 EU countries. …
When did each EU country join?
The first agreement establishing the European Economic Community was signed in 1957 by six countries: Belgium, Germany, France, Italy, Luxembourg and the Netherlands. Denmark, Ireland, and the United Kingdom joined in 1973, Greece in 1981, Spain and Portugal in 1986.
How many countries were in the EU in 1992?
12 member states
The Maastricht Treaty, concluded in 1992 between the 12 member states of the European Communities, is the foundation treaty of the European Union (EU).
Who are the 27 members of the European Union?
Current list of all 27 European Union countries Country EU accession date Schengen Area member Eurozone member Ireland January 1, 1973 No Yes Italy March 25, 1957 Yes Yes Latvia May 1, 2004 Yes Yes
When did the UK join the European Union?
Denmark, Ireland, and the UK joined in 1973, Greece in 1981, Spain and Portugal in 1986. In subsequent years many other countries joined the Union. Today the EU consists of 28 member countries. It is not only an economic union but the single market with no borders for trade and…
How does a country become a member of the European Union?
To join the European Union, it is required for all member states to agree; if a single member state disagrees, the applying country is declined accession to the European Union. In addition to enlargement by adding new countries, the EU can also expand by having territories of member states, which are outside the EU,…
When did Bulgaria become a member of the EU?
In addition to the current twenty-five member states, a number of other European states will join the European Union in the next two decades. Bulgaria and Romania have already finished accession negotiations and will join on 1 January 2007.
