History of All European Union Countries
The European Union (EU) has grown from six founding members in 1958 to 27 today, with each country joining at different stages of integration. Below is a chronological overview of all current EU members and their key dates in EU history.
Founding Members (1958)
Germany – Joined 1958, Euro area 1999, Schengen 1995.
France – Joined 1958, Euro area 1999, Schengen 1995.
Italy – Joined 1958, Euro area 1999, Schengen 1997.
Belgium – Joined 1958, Euro area 1999, Schengen 1995.
Netherlands – Joined 1958, Euro area 1999, Schengen 1995.
Luxembourg – Joined 1958, Euro area 1999, Schengen 1995.
1973 Expansion
Denmark – Joined 1973, Schengen 2001.
Ireland – Joined 1973, Euro area 1999.
United Kingdom – Joined 1973 (left in 2020).
1981 Expansion
Greece – Joined 1981, Euro area 2001, Schengen 2000.
1986 Expansion
Spain – Joined 1986.
Sweden – Joined 1986.
1995 Expansion
Austria – Joined 1995, Euro area 1999, Schengen 1997.
Finland – Joined 1995, Euro area 1999, Schengen 2001.
2004 Expansion
Czechia – Joined 2004, Schengen 2007.
Poland – Joined 2004.
Hungary – Joined 2004, Schengen 2007.
Croatia – Joined 2013 (not in 2004).
Latvia – Joined 2004, Euro area 2014, Schengen 2007.
Lithuania – Joined 2004, Euro area 2015, Schengen 2007.
Estonia – Joined 2004, Euro area 2011, Schengen 2007.
Slovenia – Joined 2004.
Malta – Joined 2004.
Portugal – Joined 2004.
Romania – Joined 2007.
Bulgaria – Joined 2007, Euro area 2026, Schengen 2024.
2007 Expansion
Romania – Joined 2007.
Bulgaria – Joined 2007.
2013 Expansion
Croatia – Joined 2013, Euro area 2023, Schengen 2023.
Euro and Schengen Milestones
Euro area: Introduced in 1999 (paper currency) and 2009 (full use).
Schengen area: Allows free movement between member states without visas. Joined progressively from 1995 onward.
Summary Table of Key Dates
| Country | Joined EU | Euro Area | Schengen |
|---|---|---|---|
| Germany | 1958 | 1999 | 1995 |
| France | 1958 | 1999 | 1995 |
| Italy | 1958 | 1999 | 1997 |
| Belgium | 1958 | 1999 | 1995 |
| Netherlands | 1958 | 1999 | 1995 |
| Luxembourg | 1958 | 1999 | 1995 |
| Denmark | 1973 | – | 2001 |
| Ireland | 1973 | 1999 | – |
| UK | 1973 | – | – |
| Greece | 1981 | 2001 | 2000 |
| Spain | 1986 | – | – |
| Sweden | 1986 | – | 2001 |
| Austria | 1995 | 1999 | 1997 |
| Finland | 1995 | 1999 | 2001 |
| Czechia | 2004 | – | 2007 |
| Poland | 2004 | – | – |
| Hungary | 2004 | – | 2007 |
| Latvia | 2004 | 2014 | 2007 |
| Lithuania | 2004 | 2015 | 2007 |
| Estonia | 2004 | 2011 | 2007 |
| Slovenia | 2004 | – | – |
| Malta | 2004 | – | – |
| Portugal | 2004 | – | – |
| Romania | 2007 | – | – |
| Bulgaria | 2007 | 2026 | 2024 |
| Croatia | 2013 | 2023 | 2023 |
This timeline reflects the EU’s evolution from post-war cooperation to a major political and economic union, with each country’s path shaped by its own political, economic, and social developments.
Written by Fountain Pen Newspaper Author Winter Breshna.
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