As of April 2024, the European Union (EU) consisted of 27 member countries.
These countries are:
- Austria
- Belgium
- Bulgaria
- Croatia
- Cyprus
- Czech Republic
- Denmark
- Estonia
- Finland
- France
- Germany
- Greece
- Hungary
- Ireland
- Italy
- Latvia
- Lithuania
- Luxembourg
- Malta
- Netherlands
- Poland
- Portugal
- Romania
- Slovakia
- Slovenia
- Spain
- Sweden
Please note that the status of countries may change, such as through accession or withdrawal, so it’s always a good idea to verify with the latest information available.
HOW THE EUROPEAN UNION STARTED
In the beginning, only 6 countries in Europe started working together to make the European Union came after two big wars happened in Europe.
- Belgium
- France
- Germany
- Italy
- Luxembourg
- Netherlands
They decided that it is better to work together than fighting against each other. Soon, more and more countries in Europe joined them and the European Union was made.
UNITED KINGDOM (UK) EXITED THE EUROPEAN UNION
In June 2016 the United Kingdom decided to stop being part of the European Union. From 31 January 2020, the United Kingdom is no longer part of the European Union.
COUNTRIES CURRENTLY WORKING TO BECOME PART OF THE EUROPEAN UNION
These countries are:
- Albania
- Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Georgia
- Moldova
- Montenegro
- North Macedonia
- Serbia
- Türkiye
- Ukraine
To become part of the European Union, these countries must agree with all the laws and values
of the European Union, and work to make sure these laws and values are respected. This may take a very long time to happen.
THE COIN OF THE EUROPEAN UNION
Today, 20 out of 27 European Union countries use the euro. This coin is called ‘Euro’.
These countries are:
- Austria
- Belgium
- Croatia
- Cyprus
- Estonia
- Finland
- France
- Germany
- Greece
- Ireland
- Italy
- Latvia
- Lithuania
- Luxembourg
- Malta
- Netherlands
- Portugal
- Slovakia
- Slovenia
- Spain
Using the same coin helps countries in the European Union to do business together.
For example, people from Spain can buy things they want from Belgium easily and without extra costs. Using the same coin makes it easier for people to travel and buy things online from other countries.
This is the flag of the European Union.
The flag of the European Union is blue and has a circle of gold stars on it.
It is a symbol that shows that the countries of the European Union are united and stand by each other.
Languages of the European Union
In every country of the European Union people speak their own language.
The European Union protects the right of people to communicate in their own language.
That is why the European Union makes all important information and documents in all the languages that people speak in its countries so that all people in the European Union can get important information in their own language and understand it.
The Schengen Area
The European Union made the ‘Schengen Area’. The Schengen Area is an area without borders.
Within Schengen area, people can travel from country to country freely and easily. They do not have to go through checks and controls when they pass from one country to another.
With a Schengen Visa, people can travel freely and easily for tourism or work from one of these countries to another.
The Schengen Area was made in 1985. Today, 23 out of the 27 countries of the European Union are part of the Schengen Area.
These countries are:
- Austria
- Belgium
- Croatia
- Czechia
- Denmark
- Estonia
- Finland
- France
- Germany
- Greece
- Hungary
- Italy
- Latvia
- Lithuania
- Luxembourg
- Malta
- Netherlands
- Poland
- Portugal
- Slovakia
- Slovenia
- Spain
- Sweden
There are 4 countries outside the European Union that are part of the Schengen Area:
- Iceland
- Liechtenstein
- Norway
- Switzerland
Should you have any questions about European Union, Schengen Visa, and ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System), please contact info@visahero.com, (202) 936-6000 or visit www.visahero.com.