Czechs celebrate return to West after vote to join EU

FORMALLY ending years of Cold War separation, Czechs celebrated their return to the West after voting decisively to join the European Union.

Fireworks illuminated the sky over Prague Castle on Saturday evening after the Cezchs opted to take part in the largest expansion in the organisation's history next year.

"This is a victory for the people," said Prime Minister Vladimir Spidla. "For me this is the end of World War II, with all its consequences."