Hope and history rhyme

EUROPE today bears witness to the most significant event since the razing of the Berlin wall in 1989.

In Dublin, other spectral walls will disappear on this historic May Day, when the people of 10 countries formally become new citizens of the European Union and embrace the hope of an enhanced economic and political future.

For some of them, the journey to today’s accession ceremonies began 15 years ago, emerging from the shadow of Soviet control to become fully-fledged members of the EU. Today, the 10 new states will be embraced during the Day of Welcomes, which Ireland will host.