Historic Day Marred by Commissioner Controversy

Security measures were tight ahead of the arrival of hundreds of dignitaries for the signing of the European Union's proposed new constitution. Leaders and governments of the 25 EU member states and four candidate nations will be taking part in the event, which will be held on the Capitoline Hill.

Deputy president of the European Convention and one of the founding fathers of the Treaty, Giuliano Amato, expressed his satisfaction.

"With this constitution, we take a step forward," he said. "We thereby establish a more visible system and reaffirm the existence of a European system of government with growing characteristics of democracy."

Hundreds of policemen were already patrolling the streets Thursday. Authorities also took the unprecedented step of blocking off traffic to the heart of the city in order to guarantee the safety of the delegations. They further decided to close major Roman landmarks, like the Colosseum and the Roman Forum.

Unforeseen obstacles

Italy's Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi must have felt confident he had everything under control. He'd pushed for the signing to take place in Rome.

After all, the Italian capital hosted the historic endorsement of the Treaty of Rome, which established the European Economic Community 47 years ago.

But then, Berlusconi found himself overtaken by events he hadn't predicted.

Consulting on the future

Incoming EU Commission President Jose Barroso was forced Wednesday to withdraw his proposed team after it became clear the European Parliament was about to reject it.

The flare-up centered on the Italian candidate for the commission, Rocco Buttiglione (photo), who was nominated to be justice commissioner.

Many European Parliament deputies were outraged by a recent comment made by Buttiglione describing homosexuality as a sin. Buttiglione's conservative views on women and marriage have also met with criticism.

Italy's Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi approved Barroso's decision to retract his line-up to allow for a period of reflection.

The Rome gathering will now also be an opportunity for EU leaders to consult on the future of Buttiglione. Barroso has said he will make all necessary adjustments to his team and hopes to resolve the impasse in the next few weeks.

In the meantime, outgoing Commission President Romano Prodi has agreed to stay on until a new executive team wins the parliament's approval.