Estonians voted today in a referendum to join the European Union and were set to deliver anemphatic "Yes" as the small Baltic nation draws a curtain on its Soviet past.
Polls show seven out of 10 voters back EU entry despite some fears that Estonia's dynamic and liberal economy might get bogged down in EU red tape.
Turnout had reached 51 per cent at 4 p.m. (2 p.m. Irish time) in the non-binding vote, the election commission said. Polls close at 8 p.m., with a full count expected three hours later.
Supporters and the right-wing ruling coalition argue that membership will not only boost the economy, but also seal Estonia's place in the European mainstream and safeguard its independence regained in 1991.
Estonia is the last but one of eight East European countries invited to join the European Union next May in a historic enlargement from 15 members to 25.
Neighbouring Latvia, also an ex-Soviet republic, votes next week. Analysts say an Estonian "Yes" should boost the pro-EU campaign in Latvia in what looks like a close race.
Slovenia, Hungary, Lithuania, Slovakia, Poland and the Czech Republic and Malta have already held ballots to join the EU, Cyprus will also join but is not holding a referendum.