Czech Republic marks 'Europe Day' as referendum on EU accession nears

A jubilant Prime Minister Vladimir Spidla, the EU ambassador to Prague Ramiro Cibrian, as well as diplomatic representatives from the 15 current EU members and 10 candidate countries: all met on a podium at the bottom of Prague's Wenceslas Square last week to mark Europe Day, May 9th, a day that traditionally commemorates first steps towards a united Europe, put forward in 1950. Joining the prime minister and delegates in Prague: hundreds of curious Czechs, eager to explore representative stands from current - as well as future - EU countries. Sampling wine, national culinary specialities, as well as viewing performances of music and dance, Czech visitors on the day were able to get a small taste of the broader community which many soon hope to join.

Czech Republic marks 'Europe Day' as referendum on EU accession nears

Europe Day in Prague - Ramiro Cibrian and Vladimir Spidla, photo: CTK

May 9th is Europe Day - and there was little surprise that this year that celebrations took on special significance for many Czechs, who go to the polls in one month's time to decide the future of their country within - or without - the European Union. While public surveys have shown the outcome of the Czech referendum likely to be a resounding "Yes", the prime minister and EU officials still took pains to remind journalists last week that joining the EU was the proper direction to take. To become part of a Europe based on the principles of peace, as well as common currency, a project which Prime Minister Spidla said had never been attempted before on such a significant scale. Afterwards Mr Spidla welcomed the public to view stands displaying the beauties of each country, from the stunning nature of Finland, to the folklore of Slovakia, to views of Great Britain and more. Within minutes the area was packed. Many visitors, if not all, expressed support for the EU: there were a few exceptions, some who feared that joining the union would only benefit the upper echelons of Czech society:

Europe Day - Vladimir Spidla, photo: CTK

"Unfortunately, I see joining the European Union as a negative thing. I think that the conditions of accession which Mr Spidla and others negotiated are very poor."

"I would like to show my support for the EU, because there are so many benefits compared to the few negative aspects. I will definitely vote for accession to the European Union."

Europe Day in Prague, photo: CTK

"I think that most people are in favour of that. The important moment is that the Czechs, and other new members, have to get used to Europe, but the "Europeans" must get used to rest of Europe as well, those who are not members of the European Union. That is the main task of the European Union, to learn how to live with fellow Europeans as well..."

To live with fellow Europeans, to get a glimpse of the wider community opening its doors, that was once again part of the significance of May 9th. The first performers to take to the stage on Friday were a traditional Slovak folk ensemble, and we round out this report with the words of Slovak ambassador to Prague, Ladislav Ballek, who discussed his own country's hopes for accession, and the significance of Slovakia joining in the same wave as the Czech Republic:

"Joining the EU will be a return to Europe, erasing the borders between the Czech Republic and Slovakia. The border hampers contacts between people on both banks of the Morava river and as they are mostly relatives, they have the least liking of the border. I admit it is very important for us to join the EU at the same time as the Czech Republic."