EU and EEA jargon
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This page gives definitions for some of the terms used when talking about European countries, and the European Union (EU) and European Economic Area (EAA).
A2 nations
The two countries that joined the European Union (EU) in January 2007 are:
- Bulgaria
- Romania.
Citizens of A2 countries have restricted rights. This applies to working or claiming benefits, and limits access to housing and homelessness assistance.
A8 nations
The eight countries that joined the EU in January 2004 are:
- Czech Republic
- Estonia
- Hungary
- Latvia
- Lithuania
- Poland
- Slovakia
- Slovenia.
Citizens of A8 nations previously had restricted rights to enter the UK labour market or claim benefits, and limited access to housing and homelessness assistance. These restrictions have now ended.
Cyprus and Malta also joined the European Union (EU) and European Economic Area (EAA) in January 2004, but their citizens have full EEA/EU rights.
Accession states
This is a term for the newest countries to join the EU and EAA. The rights you have will depend on whether you come from an A2 nation (see above).
European Union (EU)
The European Union (EU) now has 27 member states:
- Austria
- Belgium
- Bulgaria
- Cyprus
- Czech Republic
- Denmark
- Estonia
- Finland
- France
- Germany
- Greece
- Hungary
- Italy
- Latvia
- Lithuania
- Luxembourg
- Malta
- Netherlands
- Poland
- Portugal
- Republic of Ireland
- Romania
- Slovakia
- Slovenia
- Spain
- Sweden
- United Kingdom.
EU citizens can live, travel, work and invest in other member states. However, there are some restrictions on the rights of citizens of A2 nations.
European Economic Area (EEA)
The EEA began in 1994 and allowed participating countries to trade in the European Single Market without having to join the EU. There are 30 participating countries, which include the 27 EU member states plus:
- Iceland
- Liechtenstein
- Norway.
Switzerland also has an agreement with the EEA, which gives her citizens the same right to trade in the European Single Market.
Worker authorisation scheme
A2 nationals who want to work in the UK have to register with this scheme run by the Home Office to get an accession worker card. There are different schemes for different types of work.
Worker registration scheme
A8 nationals working in the UK needed to register with this scheme run by the Home Office for the first twelve months of work until May 1, 2011. This scheme is now closed and registration is no longer required.
