Italy has become the latest country to ratify the Lisbon treaty.
It was passed unanimously today in the country's lower house of parliament. It was approved by the upper house, or Senate, on July 23.
Italy is the 24th out of 27 member countries to back the treaty. However it cannot come into force until it has been ratified by all 27 member states.
Commenting on the ratification, Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi said: "This is Italy's contribution to the relaunch of Europe, which is going through a difficult phase."
Reuters