Constitution of EU signed amid crisis

European Union leaders signed the bloc’s first constitution at a glittering ceremony on Friday but celebrations were marred by uncertainty over ratification and political turmoil over the stalled European Commission.

The leaders used private talks on the sidelines to discuss a stand-off with the European Parliament that has blocked the entry into office of a new EU executive.

German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder played down talk of a political crisis, saying he expected a revamped Commission would be approved within a couple of weeks. ‘‘We can rejoice at this historic day, even if there are one or two shadows over it,’’ he said.