| 29.10.2004
Rome, Italy  On 29 October 2004, Heads of State or government and Ministers of Foreign Affairs of the 25 Member States of the EU signed in Rome the Treaty establishing a Constitution for Europe as well as the Final Act. The ceremony took place at Campidoglio in the Sala Degli Orazi and Curiazi, the same room in which the six original Member States signed the Treaty establishing the European Community in 1957.
Having signed the Treaty, Member States have to ratify the Constitution in accordance with their respective internal requirements. This process is expected to last approximately two years.
The European Constitution replaces most existing treaties and consists of four parts. The first part defines the EU and its values, objectives, responsibilities, decision-making procedures and institutions. The second part incorporates the Charter on fundamental rights. The third part describes the policy and actions of the EU. The fourth and last part contains the final clauses, including the procedures for approval and a possible revision of the Constitution. | 
