Amsterdam Treaty — Treaty of the European Union, revision of the Treaty of Maastricht
The Treaty of Amsterdam revised the Maastricht Treaty, expanding EU Parliament powers and preparing institutions for enlargement.
Key Facts
- Signed
- 2 October 1997
- Entered into force
- 1 May 1999
- Amends
- Treaty of Maastricht (1992)
- Key power transfer to
- European Parliament
- Policy areas covered
- Immigration, civil/criminal law, CFSP
By the Numbers
Location
Cause → Event → Consequence
Following the 1992 Maastricht Treaty, EU member states recognized the need to reform institutional structures and expand the Parliament's legislative role to prepare for further integration and the anticipated enlargement of the Union with new member states.
On 2 October 1997, EU member states signed the Treaty of Amsterdam, formally amending the Treaty on European Union. The treaty transferred powers from national governments to the European Parliament in areas including immigration, civil and criminal law, common foreign and security policy, and institutional reform.
Entering into force on 1 May 1999, the treaty strengthened the European Parliament's legislative authority, harmonized key policy areas across member states, and laid groundwork for institutional adaptation to accommodate future EU enlargement.
Political Outcome
Transfer of legislative powers to the European Parliament; institutional reforms enacted to facilitate EU enlargement
Legislative powers primarily held by national governments across immigration, civil/criminal law, and foreign policy
Significant powers transferred to the European Parliament; shared and exclusive competencies formalized at EU level