Maastricht
treaty
The aim articulated in the Maastricht preamble is to make the EU stronger in the emerging geopolitical equilibrium, facing the end of the Cold War.
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The aim articulated in the Maastricht preamble is to make the EU stronger in the emerging geopolitical equilibrium, facing the end of the Cold War.
After the ratification of the SEA in 1986, Europe witnessed drastic changes in the geopolitical equilibrium[19]. This was due to the fall of the Berlin Wall and the consequent end of the Cold War and Iron Curtain[19]. Clearly, the end of the previous world order called for a prompt reaction[19]. The reunification of Germany, particularly, was now perceived as a potential threat[19].
Fall of the Berlin Wall, 1989 [10]
Signing of the treaty of Maastricht [11]
In light of the recent geopolitical changes, a strong focus is now placed on the importance of the European Community, which, through processes of integration, has brought "peace, stability, economic growth and political cooperation"[20]. In 1988, accordingly, President of the European Commission Jacques Delors presents a report meant "to infuse the Commission with a renewed sense of purpose and to deepen political and economic integration"[21]. What follows is the Maastricht treaty, establishing the European Union, which was signed on 7th February 1992 by 12 countries: Belgium, Denmark, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Portugal, Spain and United Kingdom.
The treaty implements two main policies. First, it sets 1999 as the target date for a full monetary union[20]. It sets the foundations, thus, for the Euro, by introducing free movement of capital within the EU, strengthening cooperation between central banks, and introducing a single monetary policy[20]. Second, it sets "new mechanisms for cooperation on foreign policies, security, immigration, police and judicial affairs"[20].
The aim articulated in the Maastricht preamble is to make the EU stronger in the emerging geopolitical equilibrium, facing the end of the Cold War and the potential threat of reunified Germany with economic and political cooperation. The treaty, thus, aims to "mark a new stage in the process of European integration"[22], both politically and economically, in order to create “an ever-closer union among peoples in Europe"[22].
In political terms, the aim is to make the EU more democratic and efficient, in order to "better carry out [..] the tasks entrusted to them"[22] and become a key international actor. This confirms the importance granted by Europe to certain fundamental values, including democracy, liberty, human rights and the rule of law. It is highlighted, particularly, how decisions should be taken "as closely as possible to the citizen"[22]. The treaty, moreover, establishes a European citizenship, common to the citizens of all member states. And an additional aim is to implement a common foreign and security policy, with a strong focus on common defence, in order to act efficiently in concert, and "promote peace, security and progress in Europe and in the world"[22]. The importance of allowing the free movement of citizens, while ensuring their safety through "provisions of justice and home affairs"[22], is thus also stressed.
On the other hand, in economic terms, the aim is to make Germany innocuous and enhance the EU’s geopolitical stance. In order to prevent Germany from becoming a threat, it is resolved to strengthen and converge national economies, through the establishment of a single and stable currency. As in the previous preambles, furthermore, stronger socio-economic cohesion and equality are expected through "the accomplishment of the internal market"[22]. What is new to this preamble, in this respect, is the claim that economic progress needs to be "accompanied by parallel progress in other fields"[22], especially the environmental one.
