Here’s another reminder that Berlusconi is not the euroskeptic that is so often hoped for by conservatives on this side of the Atlantic:

“The Italian and German governments have agreed to seek a quick adoption of the European Constitution, with as few changes as possible.

The agreement to limit the number of amendments made by governments when they pour over the document later this year is being seen as an attempt by Rome to place relations between the two countries on a better footing.

Meeting with his Italian counterpart on Saturday in Verona the German Chancellor Gerhard Schröder spoke in favour of having the draft Constitution adopted without changes.

Pleased with the draft presented by the Convention on the Future of Europe Berlin is keen to see that the agreement is not watered down.

Whoever opens the packet, will not manage to seal it again, the German Chancellor warned.

It looks like he has now secured Italian support, which will be essential. “