The Italian parliament ratified the European Union's Lisbon Treaty Thursday.
Italian President Giorgio Napolitano said the vote reflected "renewed prestige for the European role of our country."
"I am happy that the government, the majority and the opposition have expressed a common view on a crucial terrain for the future of the country," he said.
Napolitano hoped the EU's ratification process can be completed before next June's European Parliament elections.
Most EU members are in the process of ratifying the treaty. However, Ireland rejected it in a referendum in early June, a move plunging the bloc into crisis over its integration process.
Poland's president is also dragging his feet over signing the treaty which was approved by his country's parliament in April.
The Lisbon Treaty, which needs the backing of all 27 member states to come into force, aims to give the EU a stronger leadership, a more effective foreign policy and a fairer decision-making system.
Source:Xinhua
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