The Maastricht Treaty, officially known as the Treaty on European Union, was signed in the city of Maastricht, Netherlands. It was a significant milestone in the journey toward a unified Europe, representing an evolution from the previously existing European Communities. The agreement set forth an ambitious framework for economic and political integration, including provisions for a single currency, the Euro, which would later redefine economic transactions across member nations. Notably, the treaty was the first to introduce the concept of EU citizenship, allowing citizens of member states to reside and move freely throughout the EU territory.

The negotiation process leading to the treaty was marked by extensive discussions among member states, reflecting diverse interests and perspectives on the future of Europe. French President François Mitterrand and German Chancellor Helmut Kohl were key figures advocating for deeper integration to solidify peace and stability in Europe following World War II and the Cold War. The signing event itself, which took place on November 7, 1991, was characterized by celebratory optimism regarding the prospects of unity among European nations.

In addition to economic provisions, the Treaty also addressed cooperation in foreign and security policy, social policy, and legal matters, paving the way for future initiatives aimed at enhancing collaboration among member states. The treaty's ratification process involved referendums and legislative approval across various nations, reflecting the democratic engagement of citizens in the process. This culminated in its official enforcement on November 1, 1993, a landmark occasion that ultimately led to the establishment of the European Union as we know it today.