To say that European Union leaders signed nothing at their summit in Brussels is not strictly true.

Whether they knew it or not, most of the leaders did actually put their names to a constitution, although they probably thought they were signing someone's autograph book.

An unknown man, who faithfully waited for the arrival of the leaders, successfully got most member countries, including Spain, to sign what lookedlike an official copy of a treaty.

Those who signed are probably hoping it was all just a joke, especially as there was no time to read the small print.

The motives and identity of the mystery signature collector, and the intended use of his carefully prepared document, remain unclear.

(Source: EuroNews.net)

LOL

It probably was Zalm (Dutch finance minister). The small print contains agreements on some very drastic repercussions for the EU countries who let their deficit increase over 3%. :D

Okay, i admit. I made them all sign for "de leesmap". :D

A signature on a treaty is only a promise to present the treaty for approval before your country's governing body. A representative at a treaty negotiation cannot bind the entire country. Which is why treaties contain specific provisions regarding ratification and when it will come into force (usually dependent upon a certain percentage of ratification). That's how it's worked for eons. ;)

ah, but timber, they didnt get to read the fine print. THIS treaty excluded those ratification clauses and made it binding to their very immortal souls (belief in which notwithstanding).