The Amsterdam Treaty came into force on May 1, after the 15 Member States of the European Union completed their ratification procedures. The Amsterdam Treaty builds on the Maastricht Treaty (entered into force in November 93) which completed the integration of the economies of the Member States and laid the foundation for Economic and Monetary Union and the single currency. The new treaty advances the political process of an even closer union and creates a framework for the Union to have a voice in foreign and security affairs and to effectively address the day- to-day concerns of its citizens. At the same time the treaty seeks to improve the democratic quality and the efficacy of the EU's institutions, giving more powers to the European Parliament and strengthening the role of the President of the Commission. Mr Marcelino Oreja, the European Commissioner responsible for institutional affairs, declared the new treaty "a step forward in the process of European integration. From May 1, the EU will have a system which is more effective, more open to dialogue with the people of Europe, more democratic and more geared to the outside world."

The treaty places a greater emphasis on citizenship and the rights of individuals. Discrimination of all kinds will be tackled and the treaty will target major issues facing European society, such as employment, the environment, public health and open government.

Other chapters of the treaty deal with the most pressing concerns of ordinary Europeans, such as their legal and personal security, immigration and fraud prevention. The EU will now be able to legislate on immigration, civil law and civil procedure in order to allow the free movement of persons within the Union. The EU aims to establish an area of freedom, security and justice for its citizens.