East European countries hoping to join the EU expressed pleasure and gratitude yesterday at Ireland's emphatic Yes vote.
Lithuania
In Lithuania, one of three former Soviet Bloc Baltic states seeking EU admission, the foreign minister, Mr Antanas Valionis, said: "Now there are no obstacles left for enlargement and we hope that December 12th [the EU's Copenhagen summit\] will become the end of membership negotiations, enabling us to enjoy the EU membership from the beginning of 2004."
He had not doubted the outcome to the second referendum. "The problem with the first referendum was that there was not enough preparation for it and too many questions. This time these mistakes were not repeated."
Latvia
Mr Andris Kesteris, the chief EU negotiator for Latvia, the second Baltic state in membership talks, said the government was happy with the state of play but stressed that candidate countries were not out of the woods with tough membership talks ahead.
"We're very content at the present situation. There are still very important factors ahead. . . It's absolutely essential to accomplish negotiations in time.
"This is undoubtedly positive for us as we have now removed a serious factor that could have distorted the process."
Latvian president Ms Vaira Vike-Freiberga said the result removed "the last formal obstacle" to her country's entry to the EU.
"Madam president is thankful to the Irish people," said her spokeswoman, Ms Aiva Rozenberga.
Estonia
In adjoining Estonia, the third Baltic state seeking accession, Mr Henrik Hololei, head of the EU integration office, said the Irish vote kept EU expansion on track.
"The whole process with the Irish referendum is a clear example of how small countries can play an important role in the EU," he said.
"The Irish case is also a lesson for any country that is going to have a referendum on the EU - a positive result should not be taken for granted, and a solid explanatory work needs to be carried out."
The Estonian prime minister, Mr Siim Kallas, said: "We wish to thank the Irish people for their decision. For us, Ireland has always been an example of good decision-making."
The three Baltic States have a total population of 7.5 million people.
Hungary
With a population of 10 million, Hungary is one of the larger candidate states and it also welcomed the Irish vote.
"Irish voters have passed the test of responsibility well. They have understood that the future of the European Union and the future of Europe was hanging on them," said foreign minister Mr Laszlo Kovacs. "Their Yes vote will give us, the countries that are ready to join the EU, the chance to accelerate our economic growth, just as the Irish were able to do when they joined the organization."
Mr Tamas Toth, spokesman for Mr Kovacs, said "thank you" to the voters of Ireland.
Czech Republic
In the Czech Republic (population 10.3 million) - which in 1993 split from Cold War partner Slovakia, also a candidate state - it was predicted that the Irish result would have a positive effect on its voters.
"I believe Czech citizens will now also say Yes to the EU after the Irish have said Yes to expanding the Union," said the foreign minister, Mr Cyril Szoboda.
Czech president Mr Vaclav Havel added his voice: "We welcome the fact that the planned steps towards EU \ are not threatened and will proceed accordingly and to the rules that have been accepted."
Slovakia
Slovakia, which has 5.4 million people, also hailed the result.
"The ratification of the treaty of Nice opens the way to an historically important enlargement and an overcoming of a divided Europe, the heritage of the Cold War," said its chief negotiator with the EU, Mr Jan Figel. "This referendum creates a positive political atmosphere ahead of the most difficult talks yet between the EU and the candidate states."
Cyprus
Cyprus also welcomed the result of the Irish vote. Its desire to join the EU has highlighted tensions with Turkey (which would also like to join but has yet to be given an accession date by Brussels) due to the Greek/Turkish division on the island since 1974.
Greek Cypriot government spokesman Mr Michalis Papandreou said: "I think today is another fundamental step in the enlargement process of the European Union."