By Henrietta Billings - 2nd February 2005
Slovenia's parliament has overwhelmingly backed the European Constitution, the third country so far to ratify the EU treaty.
On Tuesday MPs voted 79 in favour to four against, following the precedent set by Hungary and Lithuania who ratified the text last year.
Speaking after the vote, EU vice-president Margot Wallstrom welcomed the result which she said "gives a strong signal to other member states on the benefits that the constitution brings."
The constitution was signed in Rome last year, and must be ratified by all member states before it can come into force.
Spain is next up to cast its vote - the date is set for February 20.
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