a foundation treaty in the law of the European Communities. It became effective as at 1 July 1987 and provided for a timetable for the completion of the free market, an extension of the use of qualified majority voting and foreshadowed the existence of a treaty on Economic and Monetary Union. It also made provision for inclusion in the Communities' treaties of sections dealing with the environment and economic and social cohesion. It also provided for the European Court of First Instance (Court of First Instance of the European Communities) and formally recognised the Parliament and the Council of the European Union. See European Union.
Collins dictionary of law. W. J. Stewart. 2001.