The Treaty of Amsterdam and its contributions. Towards European integration

Abstract

The Treaty of Amsterdam (TA) is an agreement signed in October 1997 in Amsterdam, Netherlands, which entered into force in May 1999 after being ratified by the then ex 15 member states of the European Union (EU). Its primary objective was to establish a unified framework for freedom, security, and justice within the EU. Additionally, it emphasized key aspects such as job creation, justice, the free movement of people, foreign policy, and security. Furthermore, it sought to implement the necessary institutional reforms in response to the accession of Eastern European countries plus Cyprus, and Malta to the EU. The TA stands as the third significant reform of the EU’s founding treaties, underscoring its paramount importance.