List of 28 European Union member countries

• Austria (1995)
• Belgium (1958)
• Bulgaria (2007)
• Croatia (2013)
• Cyprus (2004)
• Czech Republic (2004)
• Denmark (1973)
• Estonia (2004)
• Finland (1995)
• France (1958)
• Germany (1958)
• Greece (1981)
• Hungary (2004)
• Ireland (1973)
• Italy (1958)
• Latvia (2004)
• Lithuania (2004)
• Luxembourg (1958)
• Malta (2004)
• Netherlands (1958)
• Poland (2004)
• Portugal (1986)
• Romania (2007)
• Slovakia (2004)
• Slovenia (2004)
• Spain (1986)
• Sweden (1995)
• United Kingdom (1973)

Austria

Austria is a member country of the EU since January 1, 1995 with its geographical size of 83,879 km², and population number 8,576,234, as per 2015. Austrians comprise 1.7% of the total EU population. Its capital is Vienna and the official language in Austria is German. Austria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) is €337.162 billion, as per 2015. The political system is a Federal Parliamentary Republic and its currency is Euro (€), since Austria became a member of the eurozone on January 1, 1999.

Austria holds 18 seats in the European Parliament, while it held the revolving presidency of the Council of the EU twice, once in 1998 and in 2006. Austria is also a member of the Schengen Area since December 1, 2007.

Belgium

Belgium is a member country of the EU since January 1, 1958 with its geographical size of 30,528 km², and population number 11,258,434, as per 2015. Belgians comprise 2.2% of the total EU population. Its capital is Brussels and the official languages in Belgium are Dutch, French, and German. The Gross Domestic Product (GDP) is €409,407 billion, as per 2015. Its currency is € (Euro), since Belgium became a member of the eurozone on January 1, 1999. The political system in Belgium is a federal parliamentary constitutional monarchy.

Belgium holds 21 seats in the European Parliament and held the revolving presidency of the Council of the EU 12 times between 1958 and 2010. Belgium is also a member state of the Schengen Area since March 26, 1995.

Bulgaria

Bulgaria is a member country of the EU since January 1, 2007 with its geographical size of 110,370 km², and population number 7,202,198, as per 2015. Bulgarians comprise 1.4% of the total EU population. Its capital city is Sofia, and the official language in Bulgaria is Bulgarian. The Gross Domestic Product (GDP) is €44,162 billion, as per 2015. Its currency is Bulgarian Lev (BGN). The political system in Bulgaria is a parliamentary republic.

Bulgaria holds 17 seats in the European Parliament and will hold the revolving presidency of the Council of the EU for the first time in 2018. Bulgaria is not a member country of the Schengen Area.

Croatia

Croatia is a member country of the EU since July 1, 2013 with its geographical size of 56,594 km², and population number 4,225,316, as per 2015. Croatians comprise 0.8% of the total EU population. Its capital is Zagreb and the official language in Croatia is Croatian. The Gross Domestic Product (GDP) is €43,897 billion, as per 2015. Croatia’s currency is Croatian Kuna HRK. The political system is a parliamentary republic.

Croatia holds 11 seats in the European Parliament and will hold the revolving presidency of the Council of the EU for the first time in the first half of 2020. Croatia is not a member country of the Schengen Area.

Cyprus

Cyprus is a member country of the EU since May 1, 2004 with its geographical size of 9,251 km², and population number 847,008, as per 2015. Cypriots comprise 0.2% of the total EU population. Its capital is Nicosia and the official language in Cyprus is Greek. The Gross Domestic Product (GDP) is €17,421 billion, as per 2015. Cyprus’ currency is Euro (€) since it became a member of the eurozone on January 1, 2008.  The political system is a presidential republic.

Cyprus holds 6 seats in the European Parliament and has held the revolving presidency of the Council of the EU once in 2012. Cyprus is not a member country of the Schengen Area.

The Czech Republic

The Czech Republic is a member country of the EU since May 1, 2004 with its geographical size of 78,868 km², and population number 10,538,275, as per 2015. Czechs comprise 2.1% of the total EU population. Its capital is Prague and the official language is Czech. The Gross Domestic Product (GDP) is €163,947 billion, as per 2015. The Czech Republic’s currency is Czech Koruna (CZK). The political system is a parliamentary republic.

The Czech Republic holds 21 seats in the European Parliament and held the revolving presidency of the Council of the EU once in 2009. The Czech Republic is a member country of the Schengen Area since December 21, 2007.

Denmark

Denmark is a member country of the EU since January 1, 1973 with its geographical size of 42,924 km², and population number 5,659,715, as per 2015. The Danish comprise 1.1% of the total EU population. Its capital is Copenhagen and the official language in Denmark is Danish. The Gross Domestic Product (GDP) is €266.244 billion, as per 2015. Its currency is Danish Krone (DKK). The political system is a parliamentary constitutional monarchy.

Denmark holds 13 seats in the European Parliament and held the revolving presidency of the Council of the EU 7 times between 1973 and 2012. Denmark is a member country of the Schengen Area since March 25, 2001.

Estonia

Estonia is a member country of the EU since May 1, 2004 with its geographical size of 45,227 km², and population number 1,313,271, as per 2015. The Estonians comprise 0.3% of the total EU population. Its capital is Tallinn and the official language is Estonian. The Gross Domestic Product (GDP) is €20.461 billion, as per 2015. Estonia’s currency is Euro (€) since it became a member of the eurozone on January 1, 2011. The political system is a parliamentary republic.

Estonia holds 6 seats in the European Parliament and will hold the revolving presidency of the Council of the EU for the first time in the first half of 2017. Estonia is a member country of the Schengen Area since December 21, 2007.

Finland

Finland is a member country of the EU since January 1, 1995 with its geographical size of 338,440 km², and population number 5,471,753, as per 2015. The Finnish comprise 1.1% of the total EU population. Its capital is Helsinki and the official languages in Finland are Finnish and Swedish. The Gross Domestic Product (GDP) is €207.220 billion, as per 2015. Finland’s currency is Euro (€) since it became a member of the eurozone on January 1, 1999. The political system is a parliamentary republic.

Finland holds 13 seats in the European Parliament and held the revolving presidency of the Council of the EU twice, in 1999 and 2006. Finland is a member country of the Schengen Area since March 25, 2001.

France

France is a member country of the EU since January 1, 1958 with its geographical size of 633,187 km², and population number 66,415,161, as per 2015. The French comprise 13.1% of the total EU population. Its capital is Paris and the official language is French. The Gross Domestic Product (GDP) is €2.184trillion, as per 2015. France’s currency is Euro (€) since it became a member of the eurozone on January 1, 1999. The political system is a semi-presidential republic.

France holds 74 seats in the European Parliament and held the revolving presidency of the Council of the EU 13 times between 1959 and 2008. France is a member country of the Schengen Area since March 26, 1995.

Germany

Germany is a member country of the EU since January 1, 1958 with its geographical size of 357,376 km², and population number 81,197,537, as per 2015. The Germans comprise 16% of the total EU population. Its capital is Berlin and the official language is German. The Gross Domestic Product (GDP) is €3.026 trillion, as per 2015. Germany’s currency is Euro (€) since it became a member of the eurozone on January 1, 1999. The political system is a federal parliamentary republic.

Germany holds 96 seats in the European Parliament and held the revolving presidency of the Council of the EU 11 times between 1958 and 2007. Germany is a member country of the Schengen Area since March 26, 1995.

Greece

Greece is a member country of the EU since January 1, 1981 with its geographical size of 131,957 km², and population number 10,858,018, as per 2015. Greeks comprise 2.1% of the total EU population. Its capital is Athens and the official language is Greek. The Gross Domestic Product (GDP) is €176.023 billion, as per 2015. Greece’s currency is Euro (€) since it became a member of the eurozone on January 1, 2001. The political system is a parliamentary republic.

Greece holds 21 seats in the European Parliament and held the revolving presidency of the Council of the EU 5 times between 1983 and 2014. Greece is a member country of the Schengen Area since January 1, 2000.

Hungary

Hungary is a member country of the EU since May 1, 2004 with its geographical size of 93,011 km², and population number 9,855,571, as per 2015. Hungarians comprise 1.9% of the total EU population. Its capital is Budapest and the official language is Hungarian. The Gross Domestic Product (GDP) is €108.748 billion, as per 2015. Hungary’s currency is Hungarian Forint (HUG). The political system is a parliamentary republic.

Hungary holds 21 seats in the European Parliament and held the revolving presidency of the Council of the EU once in 2011. Hungary is a member country of the Schengen Area since December21, 2007.

Ireland

Ireland is a member country of the EU since January 1, 1973 with its geographical size of 69,797 km², and population number 4,628,949, as per 2015. The Irish comprise 0.9% of the total EU population. Its capital is Dublin and the official languages in Ireland are Irish and English. The Gross Domestic Product (GDP) is €214.623 billion, as per 2015. Ireland’s currency is Euro (€) since it became a member of the Eurozone on January 1, 1999. The political system is a parliamentary republic.

Ireland holds 11 seats in the European Parliament and held the revolving presidency of the Council of the EU 7 times between 1975 and 2013. Ireland is not a member country of the Schengen Area.

Italy

Italy is a member country of the EU since January 1, 1958 with its geographical size of 302,073 km², and population number 60,795,612, as per 2015. The Italians comprise 12% of the total EU population. Its capital is Rome and the official language in Italy is Italian. The Gross Domestic Product (GDP) is €1.636 trillion, as per 2015. Italy’s currency is Euro (€) since it became a member of the eurozone oin January 1, 1999. The political system is a parliamentary republic.

Italy holds 73 seats in the European Parliament and held the revolving presidency of the Council of the EU 12 times between 1959 and 2014. Italy is a member country of the Schengen Area since October 26, 1997.

Latvia

Latvia is a member country of the EU since May 1, 2004 with its geographical size of 64,573 km², and population number 1,986,096, as per 2015. Latvians comprise 0.4% of the total EU population. Its capital is Riga and the official language is Latvian. The Gross Domestic Product (GDP) is €24.378 billion, as per 2015. Latvia’s currency is Euro (€) since it became a member of the eurozone on January 1, 2014. The political system is a parliamentary republic.

Latvia holds 8 seats in the European Parliament and held the revolving presidency of the Council of the EU for the first time in 2015. Latvia is a member country of the Schengen Area since December 21, 2007.

Lithuania

Lithuania is a member country of the EU since May 1, 2004 with its geographical size of 65,286 km², and population number 2,921,262, as per 2015. Lithuanians comprise 0.6% of the total EU population. Its capital is Vilnius and the official language is Lithuanian. The Gross Domestic Product (GDP) is €37.124 billion, as per 2015. Lithuania’s currency is Euro (€) since it became a member of the eurozone on January 1, 2014. The political system is a parliamentary republic.

Lithuania holds 11 seats in the European Parliament and held the revolving presidency of the Council of the EU once in 2013. Lithuania is a member country of the Schengen Area since December 21, 2007.

Luxembourg

Luxembourg is a member country of the EU since January 1, 1958 with its geographical size of 2,586 km², and population number 562,958, as per 2015. Luxembourgers comprise 0.1% of the total EU population. Its capital is Luxembourg and the official languages in Luxembourg are French and German. The Gross Domestic Product (GDP) is €52.112 billion, as per 2015. Luxembourg’s currency is Euro (€) since it became a member of the eurozone oin January 1, 1999. The political system is a parliamentary constitutional monarchy.

Luxembourg holds 6 seats in the European Parliament and held the revolving presidency of the Council of the EU 12 times between 1960 and 2015. Luxembourg is a member country of the Schengen Area since March 26, 1995.

Malta

Malta is a member country of the EU since May 1, 2004 with its geographical size of 315 km², and population number 429,334, as per 2015. The Maltese comprise 0.1% of the total EU population. Its capital is Valletta and the official language is Maltese. The Gross Domestic Product (GDP) is €8.796 billion, as per 2015. Malta’s currency is Euro (€) since it became a member of the eurozone on January 1, 2008. The political system is a parliamentary republic.

Malta holds 6 seats in the European Parliament and will hold the revolving presidency of the Council of the EU for the first time in 2017. Malta is a member country of the Schengen Area since December 21, 2007.

The Netherlands

The Netherlands is a member country of the EU since January 1, 1958 with its geographical size of 41,542 km², and population number 16,900,726, as per 2015. The Dutch comprise 3.3% of the total EU population. Its capital is Amsterdam and the official language is Dutch. The Gross Domestic Product (GDP) is €678,572 billion, as per 2015. Netherlands’ currency is Euro (€) since it became a member of the eurozone on January 1, 1999. The political system is a parliamentary constitutional monarchy.

The Netherlands holds 26 seats in the European Parliament and held the revolving presidency of the Council of the EU 12 times between 1960 and 2016. The Netherlands is a member country of the Schengen Area since March 26, 1995.

Poland

Poland is a member country of the EU since May 1, 2004 with its geographical size of 612,679 km², and population number 38,005,614, as per 2015. The Polish comprise 7.5% of the total EU population. Its capital is Warsaw and the official language is Polish.  The Gross Domestic Product (GDP) is €427.737 billion, as per 2015. Poland’s currency is Polish Zloty (PLN). The political system is a parliamentary republic.

Poland holds 51 seats in the European Parliament and held the revolving presidency of the Council of the EU once in 2011. Poland is a member country of the Schengen Area since December 21, 2007.

Portugal

Portugal is a member country of the EU since January 1, 1986 with its geographical size of 92,226 km², and population number 10,374,822, as per 2015. The Portuguese comprise 2% of the total EU population. Its capital is Lisbon and the official language is Portuguese. The Gross Domestic Product (GDP) is €179.379 billion, as per 2015. Portugal’s currency is Euro (€) since it became a member of the eurozone on January 1, 1999. The political system is a semi-presidential republic.

Portugal holds 21 seats in the European Parliament and held the revolving presidency of the Council of the EU 3 times between 1992 and 2007. Portugal is a member country of the Schengen Area since March 26, 1995.

Romania

Romania is a member country of the EU since January 1, 2007 with its geographical size of 238,391 km², and population number 19,870,647, as per 2015.The Romanians comprise 3.9% of the total EU population. Its capital is Bucharest and the official language is Romanian. The Gross Domestic Product (GDP) is €160.353 billion, as per 2015. Romania’s currency is Romanian Leu (RON). The political system is  a semi-presidential republic.

Romania holds 32 seats in the European Parliament and will hold the revolving presidency of the Council of the EU for the first time in 2019. Romania is not a member country of the Schengen Area.

Slovakia

Slovakia is a member country of the EU since May 1, 2004 with its geographical size of 49,035 km², and population number 5,421,349, as per 2015. Slovaks comprise 2.2% of the total EU population. Its capital is Bratislava and the official language is Slovak. The Gross Domestic Product (GDP) is €78.071 billion, as per 2015. Slovakia’s currency is € (Euro) since it became a member of the eurozone on January 1, 2009. The political system in Slovakia is a parliamentary republic.

Slovakia holds 13 seats in the European Parliament and is currently holding the revolving presidency of the Council of the EU for the first time. Slovakia is also a member state of the Schengen Area since March 26, 1995.

Slovenia

Slovenia is a member country of the EU since May 1, 2004 with its geographical size of 20,273 km², and population number 2,062,874, as per 2015. The Slovenians comprise 0.4% of the total EU population. Its capital is Ljubljana and the official language is Slovenian. The Gross Domestic Product (GDP) is €38.543 billion, as per 2015. Slovenia’s currency is Euro (€) since it became a member of the eurozone on January 1, 2007. The political system is a parliamentary republic.

Slovenia holds 8 seats in the European Parliament and held the revolving presidency of the Council of the EU once in 2008. Slovenia is a member country of the Schengen Area since December 21, 2007.

Spain

Spain is a member country of the EU since January 1, 1986. Its geographical size is 505,944 km², while the population number in 2015 was 46,449,565. The Spanish comprise 9.1% of the total EU population. Its capital is Madrid. Gross Domestic Product (GDP) is €1.081trillion. The official language in Spain is Spanish. The political system is a parliamentary constitutional monarchy. Spain holds 54 seats in the European Parliament and held the revolving presidency of the Council of the EU 4 times between 1989 and 2010. Spain’s currency is Euro (€) and became a member of the eurozone since January 1, 1999. Spain is a member country of the Schengen Area since March 26, 1995.

Sweden

Sweden is a member country of the EU since January 1, 1995 with its geographical size of 438,574 km², and population number 9,747,355, as per 2015. The Swedes comprise 1.9% of the total EU population. Its capital is Stockholm and the official language is Swedish. The Gross Domestic Product (GDP) is €444.235 billion, as per 2015. Sweden’s currency is the Swedish Krona (SEK). The political system is a parliamentary constitutional monarchy.

Sweden holds 20 seats in the European Parliament and held the revolving presidency of the Council of the EU twice, in 2001 and 2009. Sweden is a member country of the Schengen Area since March 25, 2001.

The United Kingdom

The United Kingdom is a member country of the EU since January 1, 1973 with its geographical size of 248,528 km², and population number 64,875,165, as per 2015. The English comprise 12.8% of the total EU population. Its capital is London and the official language is English. The Gross Domestic Product (GDP) is €2.569 trillion, as per 2015. The United Kingdom’s currency is the Pound Sterling (GBP). The political system is a parliamentary constitutional monarchy.

The United Kingdom holds 73 seats in the European Parliament and held the revolving presidency of the Council of the EU 5 times between 1997 and 2005. The United Kingdom is not a member country of the Schengen Area. 

Candidate countries on the road to EU membership:

• Albania
• Montenegro
• Serbia
• Turkey
• The former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia

Potential candidates to become EU member states:

• Bosnia and Herzegovina
• Kosovo