How many Countries are there in the European Union? Check the List of Member Countries

The European Union is a group of countries in Europe that have agreed to work together for common goals. These countries cooperate in areas like trade, travel, education, and economic growth. By sharing rules and policies, the EU helps make life easier for citizens and strengthens relations between nations. Understanding this union helps explain how European countries stay connected and support each other.

An Overview of European Union

The European Union was formed to strengthen cooperation among European countries after World War II. It allows free movement of people, goods, services, and capital among member nations.

How many Countries are there in the European Union?

As of 2026, the European Union has 27 member countries. It began with six founding nations in 1952 and expanded gradually. The latest country to join the EU was Croatia in 2013.

Although the United Kingdom joined in 1973, it officially left the EU in 2020 due to Brexit, so it is no longer a member.

List of European Union Countries and Year of Joining

Below is the updated list of all 27 EU member countries, along with the year they became part of the European Union.

Founding Members of the European Union

The European Union was originally formed by six countries in 1952. These nations laid the foundation for European cooperation.

The founding members are:

• Belgium
• France
• Italy
• Luxembourg
• Netherlands
• West Germany (now Germany)

These countries signed early treaties that promoted economic cooperation and peace in Europe.

Important Treaties Behind the European Union

Treaty of Paris (1952): This treaty marked the beginning of European cooperation and led to the creation of early European institutions.

Maastricht Treaty (1992): The Maastricht Treaty formally established the European Union and introduced the concept of EU citizenship. It also set the path for the common currency, the Euro.

Youngest Member of the EU

Croatia is the newest member of the European Union. It officially joined the EU in 2013, becoming the 28th member at that time (before the UK’s exit).

Which Country Left the European Union?

The United Kingdom left the European Union in 2020, following a public vote known as Brexit. It remains the only country to have exited the EU so far.

Official Currency of the European Union

The Euro (€) is the official currency of the European Union. Currently, 21 out of 27 EU countries use the Euro as their main currency, while others still use their national currencies.