M

Maastricht Treaty
This Treaty is often referred to as The Treaty of the European Union. It was signed in 1992 and established the three-pillar system. It also laid down the stages of the European Monetary Union (EMU) and guarantees the European Citizens the freedom to live in any Member State and to vote in local and EU elections.

Mainstreaming
Put simply, mainstreaming an issue means making sure it is fully taken into account in all EU polices. For example, every European Union policy decision must now take account of its environmental implications. In other words, environmental considerations have been "mainstreamed".

Member State
The EU is comprised of 25 Member States. Two more will join in 2007, Bulgaria and Romania.

Monitoring
This term refers to a principle for EU funding regarding Structural Funds. It requires multi-level control and the matching of certain funds.