The European Union celebrates 33 years since its establishmenttranslated

November 1, 2026 marks 33 years since the entry into force of the Maastricht Treaty, the founding act of the European Union in its current form, which marked a decisive stage in the European integration process.

Through this treaty, the cooperation between the European states went beyond the predominantly economic framework of the European Communities, acquiring a political dimension as well. The Union was organized around three pillars: the European Communities, the common foreign and security policy, respectively cooperation in the field of justice and internal affairs.

European citizenship and free movement One of the most important innovations introduced by the Maastricht Treaty was European citizenship, granted to all persons holding the citizenship of a member state.

This complemented national citizenship and enshrined rights such as free movement and the right of residence in the member states, the right to vote and run for local and European elections in the country of residence, as well as the right to request consular protection from another member state outside the Union.

The treaty also laid the foundations of the Economic and Monetary Union and the introduction of the euro currency, of...