What is the European Union?

What is the European Union?

The EU Official Flag

The European Union (EU) is a political and economic union, consisting of 28 member states that are subject to the obligations and the privileges of the membership. Every member state is part of the founding treaties of the union and is subjected to binding laws within the common legislative and judicial institutions. In order for the EU to adopt policies that concern defence and foreign affairs, all member states must agree unanimously.

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) – (Leaving on March 29, 2019 after its citizens voted pro such decision on June 2016)