With Saturday May 1st marked down as the "big bang" date for EU enlargement, the largest ever undertaken, it will transform the club and the continent beyond all recognition.
The EU of 25 will have 455 million people and be the world's largest single market. Most of the newcomers are expected to adopt the euro, so a whole basket of currencies seem likely to disappear in the next few years.
Poland is of course the biggest new entrant, with a population of 38 million. One of the most popular Polish dishes is Zrazy Zawijane - mushroom-stuffed beefsteak rolls in sour cream; it sounds scrumptious.
Hopefully the new members, 75 million citizens all in all, will be welcomed with open arms and big smiles.
The Mushroom People extends the welcoming embrace to all its readers in the new accession states, from Estonia to Malta, and to all the online mushroom people.
4/30/2004 3:45:10 PM THANK YOU VERY MUCH.
MAY THE ROAD RISE TO MEET YOU.
MAY THE WIND BE ALWAYS AT YOUR BACK- IRELAND!!! Polish Mushroom Association, POLAND
