EUmedlemmer

EUmedlemmer refers to the sovereign states that have joined the European Union, a political and economic union of 27 member states (EU-27). Membership grants participation in the EU’s single market, a common legal framework, and a voice in EU institutions and policy areas such as trade, regional development, and foreign policy. Each member contributes to and benefits from EU programmes, funds, and decision-making processes through its representatives.

Membership is governed by the Copenhagen Criteria, which require stable democratic institutions, the rule of law and human rights, a functioning market economy, and the ability to adopt and implement EU law. The accession process involves candidate states submitting a formal application, ongoing assessment by the European Commission, negotiations on chapters of EU law, and ratification by existing member states after a satisfactory agreement.

Rights and obligations of EU members include voting and representation in the Council of the European Union and the European Parliament, participation in the internal market and the customs union, adherence to EU treaties and regulatory frameworks, and contributions to the EU budget. Members also cooperate on security, energy, environment, and research through common policy areas.

Withdrawal from the EU is possible under Article 50 of the Treaty on European Union, as demonstrated by the United Kingdom’s departure in 2020.

Current EU member states are Østrig, Belgien, Bulgarien, Kroatien, Cypern, Tjekkiet, Danmark, Estland, Finland, Frankrig, Tyskland, Grækenland, Ungarn, Irland, Italien, Letland, Litauen, Luxembourg, Malta, Nederlandene, Polen, Portugal, Rumænien, Slovakiet, Slovenien, Spanien and Sverige.