(ANSA) - Rome, December 18 - Italian Premier Enrico Letta on Wednesday told reporters his government intends to take on the issue of legalizing civil unions for same-sex couples. ''We will tackle all the issues, including this one. I see good will on the part of all'', Letta told public broadcaster RAI evening news. Currently, 22 of the 51 countries in Europe recognize some form of same-sex union, with a majority of EU members among them. Belgium, Denmark, France, Iceland, the Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain and Sweden legally recognize same-sex marriage. In the UK, a law covering England and Wales only will take effect in 2014. Civil union is a legally recognized form of partnership that affords the couple rights, benefits, and responsibilities similar to those of legally married couples.