EU constitution signed in Rome

Europe's leaders gathering in Rome today to sign the EU constitution displayed a carefully choreographed show of unity for the assembled crowds and media.

A glittering ceremony in Rome’s Michelangelo-designed town hall, was clouded by the fallout from the institutional standoff between MEPs and the incoming European Commission.

Italian premier Silvio Berlusconi had hoped that the signing ceremony - which took place in the same room where the original 1957 Treaty of Rome was signed - would be a personal triumph.

“The constitution could not be signed anywhere but Rome,” said Berlusconi.

“A historical wire connects the birth of the first European community and the assertion of Europe reunified on the basis of fundamental principles and shared values. Italy, from this point of view, provided an essential contribution."

The signing will begin a two year ratification process by EU capitals, and when the champagne and hyperbole is over today, there will be a number of sore heads tomorrow, as EU leaders wake up to the hangover of getting their citizens to endorse the 300 page document.

The EU constitution has to be ratified by all 25 member states before it can legally come into force. 

But at least ten countries intend to hold national referendums, and current public opinion in half of those states, including the UK, France and Poland show that the constitution could easily be scuppered.

It would only take one country to reject ratification to throw the whole venture into turmoil.

“A French ‘non’ would lead Europe into an absolute crisis,” said Luxembourg’s prime minister, Jean Claude Juncker, earlier this week.

And outgoing commission chief, Romano Prodi warned the assembled leaders that ratification cannot be taken for granted.
 
"The signing of the European constitution does not mean we have crossed the finishing line," said Prodi before the official ceremony.

"In the months ahead the member states will need to use their best endeavours to persuade their parliaments and citizens to ratify the new Constitutional Treaty," he added.

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