EU: From the west coast of Ireland to the eastern borders of Poland, Europeans were last night celebrating the EU's biggest expansion to date and political reunification of a continent divided for half a century by the Cold War.
Fireworks exploded and church bells rang out across the 25 countries of the enlarged EU, which has moved its borders 1,000 kilometers to the east and increased its population to more than 450 million people.
The biggest celebrations planned for last night were in the 10 new member-states, with Malta - now the EU's smallest state - planning the largest fireworks display.
In Budapest, the Hungarian Prime Minister, Mr Peter Medgyessy, was due to set a giant hourglass in motion to symbolise the beginning of a new era. Lithuania's government called on citizens to use lamps, candles and fireworks to make their country the brightest spot in Europe.
In a statement published at midnight, the European Commission President, Mr Romano Prodi, praised the courage and determination of the new member-states and the generosity and vision of older member-states in making enlargement possible.
"United in diversity, we will be stronger and better equipped to find solutions to common problems. United in diversity, we can work more effectively for safety and prosperity for all. I urge all Europeans to join in the celebrations of our astonishing achievement. Welcome to the New Europe," he said.
Mr Prodi will be in Dublin today, along with the leaders of all 25 member-states and the President of the European Parliament, Mr Pat Cox, for a ceremony at Áras an Úachtaráin to celebrate enlargement. The leaders will dine together this evening at Farmleigh House, but officials said that the dinner would be strictly social, with no discussion of political issues, such as the proposed EU constitutional treaty due to be agreed next month.
The biggest celebrations last night were in the new member-states, eight of which lay behind the Iron Curtain for almost 50 years. The Commissioner responsible for enlargement, Mr Günther Verheugen, said yesterday that the accession of the new states represented the symbolic end to Europe's division.
"It is Europe's response to the end of the Cold War and an opportunity to heal the wounds of the past, wounds of war and dictatorship," he said.
Mr Lech Walesa, who led the Solidarity trade union that overturned Poland's communist system in 1989, agreed.
"Poland's entrance into the European Union fulfils my dreams and lifetime work," he said.
Germany's President, Mr Johannes Rau, addressed the Polish parliament in Warsaw yesterday, urging Europeans in east and west to overcome their fears and embrace a common destiny.
"Without Poland, Europe would not be Europe," he said.
Cyprus will stage two days of celebrations to mark its accession to the EU, although the country's President, Mr Tassos Papadopolous, can expect an icy reception from other EU leaders in Dublin today. EU governments are angry at his role in persuading Greek Cypriots to vote against a plan to unify Cyprus.