The Italian capital is gearing up to host the historic signing ceremony of the European Union's first constitution this Friday, local media reported on Wednesday.

The heads of state and government from the European Union's 25member states and three candidate states will sign the constitutional treaty at midday in the historic Campidoglio Complex in the heart of Rome.

The treaty, which was finally adopted in June 21, months after it was first proposed, will not come into force until ratified by all member states, a process that could take another two years.

Once it comes into effect, however, it will be known as the Treaty of Rome, the second landmark European document to be signed in the Italian capital.

In 1957, the leaders of Europe's six founding members signed the treaty establishing the European Economic Community, at the same location picked for Friday's historic ceremony. The event will be broadcast live in all the European Union current and future member states, reaching a potential audience of300 million viewers.

With less than three months to prepare for the event, the Italian government and Rome municipal authorities have spared no effort.

As well as temporarily appointing Civil Protection Authority chief Guido Bertolaso commissioner for the constitutional signing, nearly 13 million euros has been spent on preparations. "We want to show that Italy is able to organize important events in the best way possible with very little time," said Bertolaso, explaining that national pride was at stake.

Source: Xinhua