The Countries of Europe

If like thousands of businesses throughout Europe you are looking to bid for tenders, it can at times be useful to look outwith your normal geographical boundaries for potential business opportunities. It could be that your business type is suited to exploiting many of the tenders that are available abroad.

Within the European Union (EU) there are no fewer than 27 member states with a combined population of almost 500 million people, generating 30% of the gross worlds product.

Established by the 1993 Maastricht Treaty, the EU was built upon the foundations of the European Community.

Here is a list of EU Member states at present, together with their time of joining and whether they have adopted the Euro currency.

1. Austria - Member since 1995 (Euro currency)


2. Belgium - Pre-existing member (Euro Currency)


3. Bulgaria - Member since 2007


4. Cyprus (Greek) - Member since 2004 (Euro currency)


5. Czech Republic - Member since 2004


6. Denmark - Pre-existing member


7. Estonia - Member since 2004


8. Finland - Member since 1995 (Euro currency)


9. France - Pre-existing member (Euro Currency)


10. Germany -Pre-existing member (Euro Currency)


11. Greece - Pre-existing member (Euro Currency)


12. Hungary - Member since 2004


13. Ireland - Pre-existing member (Euro Currency)


14. Italy - Pre-existing member (Euro Currency)


15. Latvia - Member since 2004


16. Lithuania - Member since 2004


17. Luxembourg - Pre-existing member (Euro Currency)


18. Malta - Member since 2004 (Euro currency)


19. Netherlands - Pre-existing member (Euro Currency)


20. Poland - Member since 2004


21. Portugal - Pre-existing member (Euro Currency)


22. Romania - Member since 2007


23. Slovakia - Member since 2004 (Euro currency)


24. Slovenia - Member since 2004 (Euro currency)


25. Spain - Pre-existing member (Euro Currency)


26. Sweden - Member since 1995


27. United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland - Pre-existing member

In addition to these existing member countries, there are a number of eastern states who wish to join the union, including Ukraine and Turkey.

Have you recently done business outwith your home country in the European Union? Tell us of your experiences.............