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Poland is part of the European Union. The European Union (The European Union) is. Key events in the history of deepening EU integration

TASS-DOSIER. On June 23, 2016, a nationwide referendum was held in the UK, which asked the question: "Should the United Kingdom remain in the European Union or leave the European Union?". The proponents of leaving the EU won.

As evidenced by the final results published on the basis of the processing of ballots from all 382 polling stations, 52% of the British (17.41 million people) voted in favor of terminating the membership of the United Kingdom in the EU, 48% (16.14 million people) were in favor of continuing European integration.

Of the 11 referendums held in the country since 1973, only two were nationwide: in 1975 on maintaining membership in the EEC (European Economic Community, one of the predecessors of the modern European Union) and in 2011 on reforming the electoral system. The rest were at the regional level. The TASS-DOSIER editors have prepared material on the UK's relations with the European Union and voting conditions.

UK and European Union

In the 1950s, when the foundations of a united Europe were being laid, the British did not support the idea of ​​European integration. Great Britain joined the EEC only in 1973. However, already at a referendum in 1975, more than 67% of citizens approved the retention of membership in the EEC.

At the same time, within the organization, the United Kingdom sought to maintain maximum independence in economic and political matters. The country has not joined the largest EU integration projects - the euro area (existed since 1999) and the Schengen agreements, which provide for the abolition of visa control at common borders (came into force in 1995). In addition, the UK has not signed the Fiscal Pact (which entered into force in 2013), aimed at pursuing a coherent tax and budget policy by the countries. There were frequent disagreements with partners. In particular, in September 2015, during an emergency meeting of EU Interior Ministers on the migration crisis in Europe, the UK stated that "it will not take part in the EU system for the distribution of migrants, but will accept refugees directly from camps in Syria."

On the other hand, the UK contribution to the EU is one of the largest (in 2014 - 11.3 billion euros). According to this indicator, the country ranks fourth after Germany (25.8 billion), France (19.6 billion) and Italy (14.3 billion).

The question of the referendum

In 2011, in the context of the crisis in the eurozone, an initiative group of the British collected more than 100,000 signatures in favor of holding a referendum on the country's withdrawal from the European Union. However, Parliament considered that this issue was raised at the wrong time.

The United Kingdom is a great country with a full-fledged defense and foreign policy. If such a large state leaves the European Union, this will create an extremely negative impression of Europe.

Laurent Fabius

French Foreign Minister

In early 2013, Prime Minister David Cameron proposed that a referendum be held in 2017 if the Conservative Party he leads wins in the 2015 elections. One of the factors that influenced Cameron's decision to propose a referendum was the fear on the part of the Conservatives of a possible outflow of votes in favor of the United Kingdom Independence Party (UKIP), which holds strong anti-European views. After the Conservatives won an absolute majority in the May 7, 2015 parliamentary elections and formed a one-party government, the provision for a referendum was submitted to legislators. On June 9, 2015, the vast majority of parliamentarians were in favor of holding a vote (544 people - "for", 53 - "against"). By this time, the term Brexit was firmly established in everyday life, denoting the possible exit of the UK from the community (Brexit is an abbreviation of the words british and exit).

London's EU Reform Initiative

In November 2015, David Cameron, who believes that Britain should remain in the EU, but subject to reform of the organization, sent specific proposals to the EU leadership. They covered four blocks of topics: the economy, competitiveness, issues of strengthening the sovereignty of the UK and immigration issues. Among the requirements of the UK: reduction of pressure on business from the EU; release of the UK from the obligation to participate in the process of further rapprochement of the member countries of the union; strengthening the role of national parliaments.

The draft document on reforming the EU, agreed upon by London and Brussels, was approved at the EU summit on February 18-19, 2016. In particular, the UK will no longer be obliged to take part in further political European integration. Also, the kingdom was given the right to use its own mechanisms in the field of social benefits payments to migrants from EU countries (details will be finalized later). After that, Cameron said that he would recommend that the British vote to remain in the EU. At the same time, a number of British media accused the prime minister of making big concessions to Brussels and the adopted agreement does not meet British interests. On February 20, the government announced the voting date - June 23.

Supporters and opponents of UK membership in the EU

On April 15, propaganda campaigns were launched by such associations as Britain Stronger in Europe (Britain Stronger in Europe; headed by one of the country's most famous businessmen, Stuart Rose) and Vote Leave; key figures are Justice Minister Michael Gove and former Mayor of London Conservative Boris Johnson).

A number of statistics (from various sources) were cited on the website of the "Britain Stronger in Europe" campaign in favor of retaining EU membership, in particular:

The UK spends 5.7 billion pounds (7.2 billion euros) a year to be a member of the EU single market, and as a result, the British economy receives 91 billion pounds (115 billion euros) annually;

If the country leaves the EU, the spending of each British family will increase by 4.3 thousand pounds (5.4 thousand euros) a year, as food, fuel and electricity prices will rise;

The retention of membership will entail the creation of an additional 790 thousand jobs by 2030, otherwise 950 thousand people will be left without work.

The "Vote Quit" campaign made little use of economic indicators. Exit supporters urged the British to give the money spent on EU membership to health care and education, warned of the danger of an increase in the number of migrants in the country.

According to the British Broadcasting Corporation BBC on May 16, 2016, among the politicians of the ruling Conservative Party, 164 deputies of the House of Commons and 23 members of the cabinet of ministers supported EU membership, 131 deputies and seven members of the cabinet opposed. Brexit Conservatives include House of Commons leader Chris Grayling and Northern Ireland Secretary Teresa Willers. David Cameron refused to public disputes with fellow party members.

The vast majority of Labor MPs believed that the UK should remain part of the EU. Three former prime ministers shared the same opinion: Labor Tony Blair (1997-2007) and Gordon Brown (2007-2010), as well as Conservative John Major (1990-1997). According to the "Britain Stronger in Europe" campaign, this view was shared by 89% of the British business community.

The main political force that led the fight for leaving the EU was UKIP, led by Nigel Farage.

On June 16, after Labor MP Jo Cox was assassinated in Burstall, West Yorkshire, both campaigns were suspended.

referendum terms

The associations "Britain Stronger in Europe" and "Vote Leave" received 600 thousand pounds sterling (over 766 thousand euros) in the form of a state grant for campaigning. In addition, they were provided with free mail, airtime on television, meeting rooms. They also had the right to spend 7 million pounds (8.9 million euros) in donations.

To participate in the referendum, registration in the list of voters is required. This right is available to citizens of the UK (including those living abroad), Ireland (including those born in Northern Ireland and resident outside the UK) and Commonwealth countries over 18 years of age residing in the Kingdom and the British Overseas Territory of Gibraltar. Proxy voting is possible. By the beginning of the referendum, over 45 million voters were registered on the list, the UK population was 64.5 million.

There was no turnout threshold for the referendum. The issue was decided by majority vote.

The referendum was won by supporters of Britain's exit from the European Union; they beat their opponents by 1.26 million people. Now the process of signing documents on withdrawal from the organization is ahead, which, according to experts, may take two to three years. The procedure for leaving the European Union is enshrined in Article 50 of the Lisbon Treaty of 2007, but so far there have been no such precedents.

This state association includes: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Great Britain, Hungary, Germany, Greece, Denmark, Ireland, Spain, Italy, Cyprus, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia , Finland, France, Croatia, Czech Republic, Sweden and Estonia.

At the very beginning of intra-European association, back in the 90s of the last century, the first members of the European Union were six states: Belgium, Germany, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands and France. Then the other 22 joined them.

The main factors or rules for joining the organization are compliance with the criteria fixed in 1993 in Copenhagen and approved at the meeting of the members of the Union in Madrid two years later. States must observe the basic principles of democracy, respect freedom and rights, as well as the foundations of the right state. A potential member of the organization must have a competitive market economy and recognize the common rules and standards already adopted in the European Union.

The European Union also has its own motto - "Consent in Diversity", as well as the anthem "Ode to Joy".

European countries that are not members of the European Union

Non-member European countries include the following:
- Great Britain, Liechtenstein, Monaco and Switzerland in Western Europe;
- Belarus, Russia, Moldova and Ukraine in Eastern Europe;
- Northern European Iceland, Norway;
- Albania, Andorra, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Vatican, Macedonia, San Marino, Serbia and Montenegro in Southern Europe;
- Azerbaijan, Georgia, Kazakhstan and Turkey partially located in Europe;
- as well as the unrecognized states of the Republic of Kosovo and Transnistria.

Turkey, Iceland, Macedonia, Serbia and Montenegro are currently in the status of possible candidates for membership in the European Union.

The Western Balkan countries - Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo - are already included in this expansion program. Nevertheless, the last state is not yet recognized by the European Union as independent due to the fact that the separation of Kosovo from Serbia is not yet recognized by all members of the organization.

Several so-called "dwarf" states - Andorra, the Vatican, Monaco and San Marino, although they use the euro, still maintain relations with the European Union only through agreements on partial cooperation.

Europe, originated after the end of the Second World War. Just at that time, NATO, the Western European Union and the Council of Europe appeared, and in the east there was a huge USSR.

Initially, the European Union was created as an economic association. In 1951, the European Steel and Coal Community was created - the "progenitor" of the modern European Union. At that time, the list of countries included in the EU consisted of only six states: Germany, France, Belgium, Italy, the Netherlands and Luxembourg.

In 1957, the European Atomic Energy Community and the European Economic Community came into being. On the basis of these associations, the European Union was created.

As the composition of the EU countries expanded and management was centralized, the tasks of the association also changed. Gradually, it began to solve not only general economic, but also political tasks, passing laws and participating in international relations.

Modern European Union

EU member countries (2014):


European Union: Chronology of Community Expansion

The countries that make up the 2014 EU have been in the union for several decades. Consider the chronology:

  • 1957 France, Germany, Belgium, the Netherlands, Italy and Luxembourg signed an agreement on the establishment of the European Economic Community and the European Atomic Energy Community.
  • 1973 The list of countries that are members of the EU is replenished with the United Kingdom, Denmark and Ireland.
  • 1981 Greece became the tenth member of the Union.
  • 1986 Accession of Spain and Portugal.
  • 1995 The list of EU countries is expanded to include Austria, Sweden and Finland.
  • 2004 Marked by the accession of Hungary, Poland, Slovenia, Czech Republic, Estonia, Slovakia, Malta, Lithuania, Latvia and Cyprus.
  • 2007 Bulgaria and Romania are admitted to the EU.
  • 2013 Croatia received the title of a member of the European Union.

Schengen benefits

Some are members of the Schengen Agreement of 1985, which greatly simplifies the movement in Europe. There is no passport control at the borders between these states, and citizens of states that are not members of the European Union just need to apply for a Schengen multivisa, which will provide them with free movement in all countries of the Schengen zone.

Today, the Schengen area does not include EU countries, the list of which consists of five states:

  • United Kingdom.
  • Ireland.
  • Cyprus.
  • Romania.
  • Bulgaria.

However, the absence of border controls does not mean at all that citizens can move around Europe without the necessary documents. Employees of authorized services of any European country may be required to present valid documents that confirm the right of a foreign citizen to be in the territory of a particular state.

Political structure of the European Union

The basis of the political system is the Treaty of Rome, which the EU member states signed in 1958.

The structure of the EU is distinguished by the fact that its norms of legislation prevail over the decisions of the authorities of the member states of the union.

The administrative structure consists of the European:

  • advice;
  • commissions;
  • parliament;
  • court.

It is the highest of the European Union. It consists of two levels consisting of:

  • heads of state and government;
  • government ministers (EU Council or Council of Ministers).

The main tasks of the European Council are to determine the general political line of Europe. For this purpose, summits are held four times a year, to which the countries that are members of the EU send their heads of state and government.

The Council of the European Union is the legislative and executive body. It meets several times a month. Voting is based on the principle of majority, with each state having a certain number of votes. The distribution of votes is influenced by the population of the country and its interests.

European Parliament

The European Parliament is the legislative body. It does not include all EU member states. Today, there are about eight hundred representatives from 25 EU countries in the Parliament. Parliamentarians are chosen through direct elections.

Parliament works on the principles of party affiliation. The largest parties, out of a hundred parties in its composition, are the liberals and the socialists. The main work of this structure is the approval of bills and the single budget of the EU.

European Commission

This is the executive body. It includes all European countries that are members of the EU (one representative from each). The European Commission is headed by the President of the European Commission, today it is José Manuel Barroso.

The headquarters of the EC is located in Brussels. The composition of the European Commission is elected by the European Parliament for a term of five years. She is also accountable to him. The European Parliament has the right to dissolve the EC, which was done in 2004 due to a high-profile corruption scandal.

The EC assists in realizing the interests of the European Union, is engaged in the development and implementation of legislative norms, the signing of international agreements on behalf of the European Union. It is the EC that is responsible for negotiating, signing agreements and treaties with third world countries.

European Court

The judicial body of the European Union is the European Court of Justice. This structure is engaged in the legal interpretation of EU laws, the resolution of disputes between states, legal entities and individuals of the European Union. The European Court of Justice is headquartered in Luxembourg.

Accession to the European Union

The countries that are members of the EU, joining the treaties, go to curtail their sovereignty, replacing it with the representation of the EU structures, acting for the benefit of the common interests.

When joining the EU, the applicant country is subject to requirements that comply with the Copenhagen criteria, which were approved in 1993 by the European Council meeting in Copenhagen and approved by the European Council in 1995 in Madrid.

The main requirements for candidate countries are compliance with:

  • democratic principles;
  • principles of freedom and human rights;
  • principles of the rule of law.

In addition, a competitive market economy should be developed in the country. The citizens of the country must recognize and support the standards and rules that the EU countries have adopted. The list of official candidates today consists of five countries:

  • Iceland.
  • Turkey.
  • Serbia.
  • Macedonia.
  • Montenegro.

EU activities

The countries that are members of the EU protect the interests of Europe and promote European values ​​around the world.

10 examples of EU action:


During its existence, the EU has established close contacts with countries that have just embarked on the path of development. Bilateral EU Association Agreements have been signed with a part of neighboring European countries.

To date, the European Union has achieved diplomatic relations with most countries of the world that have the potential for strategic partnership and peaceful coexistence.

Today, most of the European powers are united in a single community, called the "Eurozone". On their territory there are: a single commodity market, a visa-free regime, a common currency (euro) has been introduced. To understand which countries are currently part of the European Union, and what are the trends in its development, it is necessary to turn to history.

Now the EU includes (in brackets the year of entry is indicated):

  • Austria (1995)
  • Belgium (1957)
  • Bulgaria (2007)
  • UK (1973)
  • Hungary (2004)
  • Germany (1957)
  • Greece (1981)
  • Denmark (1973)
  • Ireland (1973)
  • Spain (1986)
  • Italy (1957)
  • Cyprus (2004)
  • Latvia (2004)
  • Lithuania (2004)
  • Luxembourg (1957)
  • Malta (2004)
  • Netherlands (1957)
  • Poland (2004)
  • Slovakia (2004)
  • Slovenia (2004)
  • Portugal (1986)
  • Romania (2007)
  • Finland (1995)
  • France (1957)
  • Croatia (2013)
  • Czech Republic (2004)
  • Sweden (1995)
  • Estonia (2004)

Map of the European Union for 2019. Click to enlarge.

Historical facts

For the first time, proposals for European integration were voiced back in the 19th century (1867) at the Paris Conference. But because of the deep and fundamental contradictions between the powers, the matter came to practical implementation almost 100 years later. During this time, European states had to go through many local and 2 world wars. Only after the end of the Second World War, these ideas began to be discussed again and gradually implemented. It is explained by the fact that the EU member states realized that the rapid and effective recovery of national economies, as well as their further development, can be carried out only by pooling resources and efforts. This is clearly evidenced by the chronology of the development of the European Community.

The start of the creation of a new association was the proposal of R. Schuman (head of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of France) on its organization in the field of the use and production of steel and coal, combining the natural resources of Germany and France. This happened on May 9, 1950. In 1951, a document on the creation of the ECSC was signed in the capital of France. In addition to the aforementioned powers, it was signed by: Luxenburg, the Netherlands, Belgium, Italy.

At the beginning of 1957, the powers that are part of the ECSC signed two more agreements on the establishment of the European communities of EuroAtom, as well as the EEC. After 3 years, the EFTA association was also created.

1963 - The foundation is laid for an associated relationship between the community itself and Africa. This allowed 18 republics of the continent to fully enjoy for 5 years all the advantages of cooperation with the EEC (financial, technical, trade).

1964 - creation of a single agricultural market. At the same time, FEOGA began its activities to support the agricultural sector.

1968 - completion of the formation of the Customs Union.

Early 1973 - the list of EU countries is replenished: Great Britain, Denmark, Ireland.

1975 - The EU and 46 states from different parts of the globe sign a convention in the field of trade cooperation, called Lo-Mei.

1979 - introduction of the EMU.

1981 - Greece joins the EU.

1986 - Spain and Portugal join the squad.

In 1990 - the adoption of the Schengen agreement.

1992 - signing of the Maastricht Treaty.

11/01/1993 - official renaming to the European Union.

1995 - the entry of Sweden, Finland, Austria.

1999 - introduction of the cashless euro.

2002 - The euro is introduced for cash payments.

2004 - the next expansion of the EU: Cyprus, Malta, Estonia, Lithuania, Latvia, Slovenia, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, Poland.

2007 - Romania and Bulgaria joined.

2013 - Croatia becomes the 28th member of the EU.

The process of development of the Eurozone has not always been and is proceeding smoothly. For example, at the end of 1985, Greenland left it, which had previously joined Denmark, but after gaining independence, the citizens of the state made an appropriate decision. In 2016, a referendum was held in the UK, in which the majority of the population (almost 52%) voted in favor of terminating membership. At the time of writing, the British were in the early stages of leaving the union.

Today, on the map of the Eurozone, you can see states and islands that are not geographically part of Europe. This is explained by the fact that they were automatically annexed together with other states to which they belong.

As the current situation in the world shows, the countries that are members of the European Union today have different views on their membership in it and on general development prospects, especially in the light of recent events related to the decision of the UK.

Entry criteria

European countries that are not members of the European Union, but wish to become members, must take into account that there are certain criteria that they must meet. You can find out more detailed information about them from a special document called the Copenhagen Criteria. Important attention is paid here:

  • principles of democracy;
  • human rights;
  • development of the competitiveness of the economy.

All important political decisions taken by EU Member States are subject to mandatory coordination.

To join this community, each applicant is tested for compliance with the "Copenhagen criteria". Based on the results of the check, a decision is made about the readiness of the state to add to this list or to wait.

If the decision is negative, then a list of parameters and criteria must be drawn up, which should be brought back to normal within the prescribed period. Compliance with the regulations is constantly monitored. After bringing the parameters back to normal, another study is carried out and then a summary is made whether the power is ready for membership or not.

The euro is considered the single currency in the Eurozone, but not all EU members for 2019 adopted it on their territory. Of the 9 countries, Denmark and the UK have a special status, Sweden also does not recognize the euro as its state currency, but may change this attitude in the near future, and another 6 powers are just getting ready for introduction.

Applicants

If you look at which countries are members of the European Union, and who is currently a candidate for replenishing its ranks, then it is quite possible to expect an expansion of the association, today 5 applicants have been officially announced: Albania, Turkey, Serbia, Macedonia, and Montenegro. Among the potential ones, Bosnia and Herzegovina can be singled out. There are applicants among the states located on other continents that previously signed an association agreement: Chile, Lebanon, Egypt, Israel, Jordan, Mexico, South Africa and others.

Economic activity and its basic principles

The current economic activity on the territory of the European Union as a whole consists of the economies of individual states that are part of the association. But despite this, each country in the international market is an independent unit. The total GDP is made up of the contributed shares of each participating power. gives the right to live and work throughout the Commonwealth.

The largest percentage of income, over the past years, was brought by such countries as Germany, Spain, Great Britain, Italy and France. The main strategic resources are oil products, gas and coal. In terms of reserves of petroleum products, the EU ranks 14th in the world.

Another significant source of income is tourism activities. This is facilitated by a visa-free regime, lively trade relations and a single currency.

Analyzing which states are members of the European Union and who is a contender for entry, one can make various forecasts. But in any case, the integration of economies in the near future will continue and most likely more powers located on other continents will be involved.

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Do you know how many countries use the euro? And which EU member states still retained their national currencies?

Only 19 of the 28 EU countries use the euro as their currency Photo: exclusives.webjet.co.nz

In this article Editorial PaySpace Magazine recalls which EU countries continue to use their national currencies, and which have switched to the euro. We are sure that this information will be useful for you, including when planning trips to Europe.

EU member states that have not adopted the euro

Some of the countries of the European Union not only continue to use their national currencies as the main currency, but also do not plan to switch to the euro. Going to these countries, it will be useful for a tourist to know what their national currencies look like.

Swedish krona
Croatian kuna
Romanian leu
Hungarian forint
Czech crown
Polish zloty
Danish krone
Bulgarian Lev
Lb

These countries are primarily Great Britain(currency - pound sterling), Denmark(currency - Danish krone) and Sweden(currency - Swedish krona).

When signing the Treaty on European Union, Great Britain and Denmark in a special protocol stipulated their right not to move to the third stage of the EU Economic and Monetary Union, which provides for the introduction of a single currency. In Sweden and Denmark, referendums were held, in which the majority of residents spoke out against the adoption of the euro. And in 2013, Swedish Finance Minister Anders Borg said that the introduction of the euro in Sweden is not planned.

It should be noted that Denmark and Sweden have a very high level of non-cash payments. Traveling to these countries, it is better for a tourist to take a bank card with him. With it, he can pay almost everywhere. We wrote more about this in the materials and.

Since 2002, the exchange rate of the lev, the national currency Bulgaria, pegged to the euro. That is, it has been set at a certain level and maintained for all these years. Such a peg is needed to stabilize the local currency, increase its reliability and, in some cases, for the subsequent transition of the country to the euro.

According to recent studies, 74% of the population of Bulgaria strongly support the Bulgarian lev, and only 9% support the transition to the single EU currency. The country also refused to establish a specific deadline for the transition to the euro. Recently, however, the President of Bulgaria announced the introduction of the euro as a strategic task.

One of the largest economies in Eastern Europe is Poland. This country also still uses its own currency, called the Polish zloty. Poland's transition to the single EU currency is being delayed, as more than 70% of the country's inhabitants oppose the idea.

Hungary(the national currency forint) is not yet ready to join the eurozone, according to the European Commission. This, as well as some other member states of the European Union, currently do not fully comply with all the prescribed criteria that are necessary for the transition to the euro.

Romania(the national currency is the Romanian leu), which has a very large proportion of Euro-optimists among the population, was supposed to switch to the euro on January 1, 2019. However, at the end of 2018 the government that the transition will be possible only in 2024. On plans for the transition to a single European currency and Croatia(the official currency is the Croatian kuna).

Eurozone countries

Since the introduction of the euro in 1999, this currency has replaced national money in 19 of the 28 EU countries.

EU countries that use the euro Photo: fd.n

  • Austria- from January 1, 1999, the old currency is the Austrian schilling;
  • Belgium- from January 1, 1999, the old currency is the Belgian franc;
  • Germany- from January 1, 1999, the old currency is the German mark;
  • Greece- since January 1, 2001, the old currency is the Greek drachma;
  • Ireland- since January 1, 1999, the old currency is the Irish pound;
  • Spain- since January 1, 1999, the old currency is the Spanish peseta;
  • Italy- since January 1, 1999, the old currency is the Italian lira;
  • Cyprus- from January 1, 2008, the old currency is the Cypriot pound;
  • Latvia- from January 1, 2014, the old currency is Latvian lats;
  • Lithuania- from January 1, 2015, the old currency is the Lithuanian litas;
  • Luxembourg- from January 1, 1999, the old currency is the Luxembourg franc;
  • Malta- from January 1, 2008, the old currency is the Maltese lira;
  • Netherlands- since January 1, 1999, the old currency is the Dutch guilder;
  • Portugal- since January 1, 1999, the old currency is the Portuguese escudo;
  • Slovakia- from January 1, 2009, the old currency is the Slovak krone;
  • Slovenia- from January 1, 2007, the old currency is the Slovenian tolar;
  • Finland- since January 1, 1999, the old currency is the Finnish mark;
  • France- from January 1, 1999, the old currency is the French franc;
  • Estonia- from January 1, 2011, the old currency is the Estonian kroon.

European countries that use and do not use the euro. Photo: Wikipedia

The euro is also the national currency of nine other countries, seven of which are located in Europe. For example, Montenegro, which is not part of the European Union and does not have its own currency, officially uses the euro. And Norway and Switzerland, which are also not members of the EU, use their own currencies (krone and franc).

All countries that are part of the European Union have the right to join the Eurozone. The condition for this is the fulfillment of the convergence criteria set by the Treaty on European Union. They are also known as the Maastricht criteria. The EU Council decides on the conformity of the country's macroeconomic indicators with the convergence criteria, after which this decision is approved by the European Council. For the new members of the European Union, joining the euro area is a natural step towards full integration into the EU.

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