The Treaty of Amsterdam Comes into Force

The Treaty of Amsterdam simplifies and expands the application of the co-decision legislative process. The Parliament gains the right to approve the President of the Commission.
The Treaty of Amsterdam establishes an area of freedom, security, and justice and incorporates the Schengen Agreement into EU law. The Treaty modifies the role of the Secretary-General of the Council, who also becomes the High Representative for the Common Foreign and Security Policy.