The dream of a united Europe is within reach says European Commission

The European Commission (EC) yesterday announced that Poland, along with nine other candidate countries, will be ready to join the EU in 2004. "Poles can now open a bottle of champagne, but they should only drink one glass and keep on working hard, as they still have a lot to do," said EU Commissioner Guenter Verheugen. EU President Romano Prodi announced, in a trembling voice, that the dream of a United Europe was turning into a reality. Brussels' officials pointed out major problems still had to be overcome, particularly relating to ineffective administration, corruption in courts and poor food hygiene. "Poland is not at the end of the group, but in middle. All problems can be easily solved over the next year," Verheugen said. However, all the dreams might have a rude awakening as the referendum to be held in Ireland in ten days time could veto all the plans. (Rzeczpospolita, pp. A1, A4) M.M.