Due to its history of sieges, the Dutch provinces of North Brabant and Limburg have developed a unique southern character, characterized by a higher number of Catholics and a more laid-back approach to life.
Maastricht, with its medieval walls and elegant brick towers, multilingual residents, and its pivotal role in the Eurozone, feels more like a close European cousin than a typical Dutch town. The city’s rich tapestry of Spanish and Roman remnants, refined cuisine, and an architectural blend of French and Belgian influences, free from the usual Dutch constraints, often makes visitors wonder: Are we still in the Netherlands?
Nestled at the country’s edge, Maastricht is entirely surrounded by Belgium and Germany. Its fortress-like position protected it from significant war damage in the 20th century, and the Dutch government saw no need to add further defenses.
However, several centuries ago, Maastricht was occupied by most of the major European powers at different times. This layered history has imbued the city with a distinctly pan-European atmosphere, making it the perfect setting for two historic moments in the EU’s development.
The first occurred on December 10, 1991, when the 12 member states of the then European Community gathered here to sign the Treaty on Economic and Monetary Union and the Political Union!
The second momentous event took place in February 1992, when the European Community signed the Maastricht Treaty, also known as the Treaty on European Union, marking the official establishment of the EU!
