If you’re sitting in a cafe in Podgorica or scrolling through news in Kyiv right now, the question of how many EU countries there are isn’t just some trivia for a pub quiz. It’s basically the biggest geopolitical question of the decade.
Honestly, the answer seems simple on paper: 27. But that number is a bit of a snapshot of a moving train. We’ve been stuck at 27 since the UK walked out the door, yet the energy in Brussels lately feels like we’re on the verge of a massive growth spurt. If you haven't checked the maps in a while, you might be surprised to see how thin the line has become between being "in" and being "almost in."
The Official 27: Who’s Actually at the Table?
Right now, as of January 2026, the European Union is officially made up of 27 member states. There hasn't been a new member since Croatia joined back in 2013, which is actually the longest "dry spell" in the Union's history.
Here is the current roll call. You've got the founding heavyweights like France, Germany, Italy, and the Benelux trio (Belgium, Netherlands, Luxembourg). Then there’s the 1973 crew—Ireland and Denmark. Greece joined in '81, followed by Spain and Portugal in '86. The 1995 expansion brought in Austria, Finland, and Sweden.
Then we hit the massive "Big Bang" of 2004. That was huge. Ten countries joined all at once: Cyprus, Czechia, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Poland, Slovakia, and Slovenia. Romania and Bulgaria followed in 2007. Finally, Croatia squeezed in during the summer of 2013.
It’s a diverse crowd. You’ve got tiny Malta and massive Germany. You’ve got countries that use the Euro and those that don't (like Denmark or Sweden). You've even got a new Eurozone member as of this month—Bulgaria officially adopted the Euro on January 1, 2026.
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Why the Number 27 is Kinda Misleading
If you ask a traveler or a business owner how many EU countries they need to worry about, 27 is usually the wrong answer. Why? Because of the Schengen Area and the EEA.
Take Norway, Iceland, or Switzerland. They aren't in the EU. They don't have a vote in Brussels. But if you’re driving across their borders, you’d barely notice. They are so integrated into the single market and the border-free travel zone that for most "normal" people, they feel like member states. On the flip side, you have EU members like Cyprus that aren't fully in the Schengen zone yet. It’s a messy Venn diagram.
The Frontrunners: Who’s Joining Next?
This is where things get interesting. There is a "Tsunami of Change" happening in the Western Balkans. If you're tracking the next addition to the list of how many EU countries exist, keep your eyes on Montenegro.
Montenegro is the clear frontrunner. Their Prime Minister, Milojko Spajić, has been pushing a "perfect reform sprint." The goal? Close every single negotiating chapter by the end of this year, 2026.
"Montenegro's EU future is no longer theoretical—it is achievable, realistic, and underway." — Milojko Spajić, 2025 Intergovernmental Conference.
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Is it a done deal? Not quite. They’ve closed several chapters recently, but they still have a mountain of work regarding rule of law and judicial reform. Plus, there’s always the "veto" risk. Croatia, for example, has had some bilateral friction with Montenegro lately that could slow things down. But most experts in Brussels, including Commissioner Marta Kos, think Montenegro could be the 28th member by 2028.
The Ukraine and Moldova Factor
We can't talk about how many EU countries there are without mentioning the geopolitical earthquake of 2022. Before the invasion of Ukraine, enlargement was basically on life support. Now, it’s the top priority.
Ukraine and Moldova are moving at speeds we’ve never seen. Ukraine finished its "screening process" in late 2025. That’s essentially a massive audit of every law in the country to see if it matches EU standards. Usually, this takes years. They did it in record time while fighting a war.
The European Commission just presented a massive financial support package for Ukraine for 2026-2027. It's not just "aid" anymore; it's "pre-accession" support. They are being treated like a member-in-waiting.
The "Waiting Room" Challenges
It’s not all sunshine and fast-tracks, though. Some countries have been in the waiting room so long they’ve practically grown roots.
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- North Macedonia: They changed their actual name to satisfy Greece, only to be blocked by Bulgaria over history and language disputes.
- Albania: Doing better lately, but still tied to the pace of its neighbors.
- Serbia: It’s complicated. Between the relationship with Kosovo and balancing ties with Russia, their path is... let's say "stagnant."
- Georgia: A rollercoaster. Public support for the EU is massive, but political tensions at home have made Brussels cautious.
Summary of the Current State (Early 2026)
| Category | Count | Notable Members/Candidates |
|---|---|---|
| Official EU Members | 27 | Germany, France, Poland, Bulgaria (Newest Euro user) |
| The "Frontrunner" Candidate | 1 | Montenegro (Targeting 2028 entry) |
| Accelerated Candidates | 2 | Ukraine, Moldova |
| The Western Balkan Group | 4 | Albania, Bosnia & Herzegovina, North Macedonia, Serbia |
What This Means for You
Whether you're planning a trip, looking to move for work, or running a business, the count of how many EU countries affects your daily life.
If you are a digital nomad, the "operational integration" of the Western Balkans is great news. The EU is currently working on bringing countries like Albania and Montenegro into the "free roaming" area and the SEPA (Single Euro Payments Area) even before they officially join the Union. This means your phone might soon work in Tirana just like it does in Rome, without the horror of roaming charges.
For investors, the 2025-2026 period has seen a surge in "green lane" logistics. The EU is opening up its transport networks to candidate countries to help their economies sync up early. Basically, the borders are "softening" long before the legal paperwork is finished.
Actionable Insights for 2026
If you're keeping tabs on the European map, here is what you actually need to do to stay ahead of the curve:
- Monitor the Montenegro "Chapters": If Montenegro closes its remaining 33 chapters by the end of 2026, expect a massive investment boom in the Adriatic region. It’s the clearest signal that the 27 will soon become 28.
- Watch the Euro Expansion: With Bulgaria joining the Euro this year, the "multi-speed Europe" is consolidating. If you handle business in Eastern Europe, update your systems for Euro transactions in Sofia.
- Check ETIAS Requirements: Even if the number of countries stays at 27 for another year, the way you enter them is changing. The ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System) is now fully operational. If you’re from a visa-exempt country (like the US or UK), you need this digital permit before you fly.
- Follow the "Growth Plan": The EU’s new "Growth Plan for the Western Balkans" is pumping billions into local infrastructure. For business owners, this is a signal to look at supply chains in the Balkans as they become "operationally integrated" with the EU single market.
The number of EU countries is 27 today, but the "European family" is effectively much larger. We are living through the most significant expansion of the European project since the fall of the Berlin Wall. Don't just count the members; watch the momentum.