Maastricht Treaty

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Treaty establishing the European Union (EU). Agreed in 1991 and signed in 1992, the treaty took effect on 1 November 1993 following ratification by member states. It advanced the commitment of member states to economic and monetary union (but included an opt-out clause for the United Kingdom); provided for intergovernmental arrangements for a common foreign and security policy; increased cooperation on justice and home affairs policy issues (though the Social Chapter was rejected by the UK until a change of government in 1997); introduced the concept of EU citizenship (as a supplement to national citizenship); established new regional development bodies; increased the powers of the European Parliament; and accepted the principle of subsidiarity (a controversial term defining the limits of European Community involvement in national affairs).

Red represents progress and love. White symbolizes justice and freedom. Green stands for hope and fertility. Effective date: 25 November 1975. >>