Maastricht Treaty

Stars of Europe in Maastricht

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Dive into the treaty

7 February 1992 is a historic day for Maastricht and Europe. This date marks the signing of the Maastricht Treaty, the establishment of the European Union. Twelve European government leaders met on that day in the Provincial Government of Limburg. The Treaty laid the foundations for the euro and placed Maastricht on the map as a symbol of European unity and integration.

  • Maastricht Treaty behind glass

European Heritage Label

The 'European Heritage Label' (EHL) marks places that played a major role in Europe and in the formation of the EU. These sites symbolise European ideals, values, history and unity. Because it had a huge impact on the lives of Europeans, the Maastricht Treaty was recognised as European Heritage by the European Commission in 2018. This recognition followed recommendations from the Dutch government and the Province of Limburg. It is a unique honour, as only three other sites in the Netherlands bear this heritage label: Camp Westerbork, the Peace Palace in The Hague and the Colonies of Weldadigheid.

Want to know more about this? Visit Studio Europa, the centre of excellence for academic research, European heritage and public debate.

Experience the EU - in Maastricht

In Maastricht, you can still feel European history come alive. Scattered throughout the city you will find places where the foundations of the European Union were laid. From underground caves to official meeting rooms. Discover for yourself where European cooperation began tangibly.

Château Neercanne

The creation of the treaty began in the caves of Château Neercanne. During the European summit, before a lunch, at the invitation of the then Queen Beatrix, the Maastricht Treaty was symbolically signed on a marl wall. The signatures of the heads of state, heads of government and the queen are seen as the birth card of the euro.

Chateau Neercanne from above aerial photo

Governorate on the Meuse

At the Provincial Government Building, known as the ‘Gouvernement aan Meuse, you can, of course, still see how and where it all happened. This is where the banquet hall is located, where the European Council met in December 1991 for the Euro Summit. You’ll also find a permanent exhibition here, featuring, amongst other things, a replica of the Maastricht Treaty. The original treaty is safely stored in a vault in Italy.

Maastricht Treaty in the Governorate

Plein 1992 square

This square in the Céramique district is named after the Maastricht Treaty signed in 1992. Not only does this square have a European name, it is also decorated with bronze tiles alternating with the Euro sign and the year 1992. A tangible reminder of the creation of the treaty.

Stars of Europe

Twelve large stars complemented by smaller stars. They symbolise the 12 countries that signed the treaty, and the new member states that have since joined the EU. The 'Stars of EuropeEurope' Europe memorial is located near the Governorate.

The European Forest

The European Forest, also known as the Estafettebos, is located on the Universiteitssingel in Maastricht. It is a green monument that makes the city's connection with Europe visible and depicts European thinking in a lasting way.

The forest was created in 2004 during the Dutch presidency of the European Union. Member States each planted a distinctive tree, creating a living European monument. The initiative for the Relay Forest came from Ton Wanders.

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