Treaty of Amsterdam

The Treaty of Amsterdam, signed in 1997 and effective from 1999, modified the European Union (EU) structure to enhance cooperation among member states. It aimed to streamline decision-making, promote human rights, and establish a more unified foreign and security policy. The treaty introduced measures for increased parliamentary power, expanded the role of the European Court of Justice, and prepared for future enlargements to include more countries. Essentially, it sought to make the EU more efficient and democratic as it expanded its membership and roles in various areas.