Maastricht Treaty
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 Gouvernement on the Maas. The Treaty laid the foundations for the euro and placed Maastricht on the map as a symbol of European unity and integration.
Experience the EU in Maastricht
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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.
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Governorate
In the Provincial House - Gouvernement aan de Maas - you can, of course, also still see how and where it all happened. Here is the ballroom where the European Council met for the Euro Summit in December 1991. You'll also find a permanent exhibition including a replica of the Maastricht Treaty. The real treaty lies safely in a vault in Italy.
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Square 1992
This square in the Céramique district is named after the year the Maastricht Treaty was signed. Square 1992 not only has a European name, but is also decorated with bronze tiles alternating with the Euro sign and the year 1992. A tangible reminder of the creation of the treaty.
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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 Europe' Europe memorial can be found near the Gouvernement.