Europe Is Actually Five Different Groups of Countries

Summary

The European Union consists of 28 member countries that pay dues, vote on shared laws, and give their citizens the right to live and work in other member states. Its boundaries overlap with several related arrangements: Norway, Iceland, and Liechtenstein belong to the European Economic Area and allow free movement while following many EU laws without voting on them; Switzerland participates in Schengen but not the EU; and Schengen removes internal passport checks for participating countries. The United Kingdom and Ireland retain stricter border controls.

The euro is used by most, but not all, EU members; Denmark, Sweden, and the United Kingdom have permanent opt-outs, while Andorra, San Marino, Monaco, and Vatican City use the euro without being EU members. EU territory also includes the outermost regions of France, Spain, and Portugal, while associated overseas territories generally fall outside EU law under a patchwork of exceptions. The overall picture is a set of overlapping institutions and territories shaped by treaties, geography, and colonial history, with many special cases.