In 1957, six core states (Founders) made up the European Economic Community, the forerunner of the European Union (EU). As of 2007, the EU has 27 member states:
- Austria (1995)
- Belgium (Founder)
- Bulgaria (2007)
- Cyprus (2004)
- Czech Republic (2004)
- Denmark (1973)
- Estonia (2004)
- Finland (1995)
- France (Founder)
- Germany (Founder)
- Greece (1981)
- Hungary (2004)
- Ireland (1973)
- Italy (Founder)
- Latvia (2004)
- Lithuania (2004)
- Luxembourg (Founder)
- Malta (2004)
- Netherlands (Founder)
- Poland (2004)
- Portugal (1986)
- Romania (2007)
- Slovakia (2004)
- Slovenia (2004)
- Spain (1986)
- Sweden (1995)
- United Kingdom (1973)
Before being considered for membership in the EU, basically, a nation must have a democratic, free market government, respect the rule of law and have appropriate freedoms and institutions. Geographically, only European countries are candidates, but since there is no unambiguous definition of "Europe", some countries, like Cyprus or Armenia could be argued either way. Once the appropriate conditions are met, the candidate state must adopt all EU laws and be accepted by all current EU members. Noticeably absent are Norway, Switzerland, Turkey and the former states of Yugoslavia.