Member states of the European Union

Member States of the European Union

: (Photo: EUobserver.com)

The EU has 15 member states, but will have 25 by 1st May 2004.

The EU has to respect the national identities of its members. The Member States must respect the EU's decisions and are bound by a principle of loyalty. Conflicts between the EU and its member states are settled by the Union's authorities - among these the EU Court.

The Future

The EU Constitution proposes to allow Member States to withdraw from the EU with two years' notice.

Links

Links to the governmental websites of the Member States:
Belgium
http://www.belgium.fgov.be
Denmark
http://www.stm.dk
Germany
http://www.bundesregierung.de
Greece
http://www.government.gr
Spain
http://www.la-moncloa.es
France
http://www.premier-ministre.gouv.fr
Ireland
http://www.irlgov.ie
Italy
http://palazzochigi.it
Luxemburg
http://www.gouvernement.lu
Netherlands
http://www.regering.nl
Austria
http://www.austria.gv.at
Portugal
http://www.portugal.gov.pt
Finland
http://www.valtioneuvosto.fi
Sweden
http://www.regeringen.se
United Kingdom
http://www.gov.uk