How Many Countries Are in the European Union? Complete EU Countries List (2026)

The European Union (EU) is one of the most influential political and economic unions in the world. As of 2026, the European Union consists of 27 member countries, working together to promote economic cooperation, political stability, and regional development across Europe.

In this article, we provide a complete list of European Union countries, their year of joining, key facts about the EU, and answers to the most frequently asked questions.

European Union – Overview

The European Union is a supranational political and economic union located primarily in Europe. It plays a major role in global trade, diplomacy, and economic governance.

How Many Countries Are in the European Union?

The European Union has 27 member countries.
The journey began with six founding nations in 1952, and the most recent country to join the EU was Croatia in 2013.

List of European Union Countries (2026)

Below is the latest and official list of EU countries along with their year of accession:

Founding Members of the European Union

The six founding members of the European Union are:

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

These countries first came together in 1952 under the Treaty of Paris, which established the European Coal and Steel Community (ECSC)—the foundation of today’s EU.

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What Is the Maastricht Treaty?

The Maastricht Treaty, officially known as the Treaty on European Union, came into effect in 1993.

Key Highlights:

• Formally created the European Union
• Introduced EU citizenship
• Laid the foundation for the Euro currency
• Strengthened cooperation in foreign and security policies

It was signed in 1992 by 12 member states.

Who Is the Youngest Member of the European Union?

Croatia is the youngest EU member, having joined the European Union in 2013.

Which Country Left the European Union?

The United Kingdom left the European Union on 31 January 2020, a process known as Brexit.

⚠️ The UK is no longer counted among EU member states.

What Is the Official Currency of the European Union?

The Euro (€) is the official currency of the European Union.

• Used by 21 out of 27 EU countries
• Countries using the Euro are part of the Eurozone

European Union Map

The European Union spans most of Western, Central, and Southern Europe, forming a connected economic and political region. EU maps highlight shared borders, trade routes, and regional cooperation zones.

Conclusion

The European Union, with its 27 member countries, represents one of the strongest economic and political alliances in the world. From its humble beginnings in 1952 to its modern structure established by the Maastricht Treaty, the EU continues to evolve and expand cooperation among its members.