Why do european countries want to join the EU?

The EU was created as a union of free countries with the basic idea to put an end to wars, which have been ripping the continent apart for centuries, and to secure a safe and quality life for its inhabitants. This still is the underlying idea of the Union and it is constantly expanded, elaborated and developed. Currently, in practical terms being part of the EU means: 1. Access to a large and competitive market, where the same rules apply. This is especially important for smaller countries whose internal market is naturally more limited. On the other hand there are standards to guarantee the quality and safety of the goods. Similar regulatory rules reduce the risk of venturing into a new market and enhance trade enormously. They also allow for undertaking huge joint projects, which would not be possible for one country only - such as the EU space program for instance. 2. Common or compatible legislation, enhancing every aspect of life - business, judiciary, internal affairs, etc. It ...  more