The Malta Agreement: What You Need to Know

The Malta Agreement, also known as the Treaty of Malta, is a treaty signed by the 27 member states of the European Union on December 2, 1989. It was signed in Malta and its primary objective was to lay the foundation for the creation of the European Union.

The treaty was signed during the European Council summit in Malta, which was the first summit to be held after the fall of the Berlin Wall. The summit was attended by the leaders of the 27 member states and was chaired by the then Prime Minister of Malta, Eddie Fenech Adami.

The Malta Agreement has been described as a historic document that paved the way for the creation of the European Union. It provided for the creation of a single market and the free movement of goods, services, capital, and people within the European Union.

The agreement also laid out the principles of economic and monetary union, which led to the creation of the euro currency. The euro was introduced on January 1, 1999, and is currently the official currency of 19 of the 27 member states of the European Union.

Another important aspect of the Malta Agreement was the establishment of the European Union`s foreign policy. The treaty created the European Political Cooperation, which was later renamed as the Common Foreign and Security Policy. This policy was designed to strengthen the European Union`s voice in international affairs and to promote peace and stability around the world.

In addition, the Malta Agreement established the European Union`s commitment to environmental protection and sustainable development. The treaty recognized the importance of protecting the environment and the need for sustainable development, and laid out the principles that the European Union should follow in order to achieve these goals.

The Malta Agreement has had a significant impact on the European Union and on the world as a whole. It has helped to promote economic growth and stability, strengthened the European Union`s voice in international affairs, and established the principles of environmental protection and sustainable development.

In conclusion, the Malta Agreement is an important document that has played a critical role in shaping the European Union. Its principles continue to guide the European Union`s policies and actions today, and it remains an important foundation for the future of the European Union and for global cooperation.