Maastrichtsáttmálanum

The Maastricht Treaty, officially known as the Treaty on European Union, was signed on February 7, 1992, in Maastricht, Netherlands, by the twelve member states of the European Community. It came into effect on November 1, 1993. This landmark agreement transformed the European Community into the European Union, laying the groundwork for deeper political and economic integration.

A key achievement of the treaty was the establishment of the three-pillar structure of the European Union. The first pillar encompassed the existing European Communities, focusing on economic integration and the single market. The second pillar introduced a Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP), aiming for greater coordination in international affairs. The third pillar established cooperation in Justice and Home Affairs (JHA), addressing issues like crime, immigration, and asylum.

Furthermore, the Maastricht Treaty set out a clear timetable for the introduction of a single currency, the Euro, and the establishment of the European Central Bank. It also introduced the concept of EU citizenship, granting citizens of member states certain rights, such as the right to move and reside freely within the Union. The treaty also strengthened the powers of the European Parliament and introduced the co-decision procedure, giving the Parliament more legislative influence. The Maastricht Treaty represented a significant step towards a more unified Europe, expanding the scope of cooperation beyond economic matters.