Just over 55 percent of eligible voters have turned out for the Czech Republic's two-day referendum on EU membership and just over 77 percent chose to give Prague the green light to join the bloc in 2004

Just over 55 percent of eligible voters have turned out for the Czech Republic's two-day referendum on EU membership and just over 77 percent chose to give Prague the green light to join the bloc in 2004. Prime Minister Vladimir Spidla got what he wanted, telling reporters, "These results clearly show that the Czech Republic wants to join the European Union. I think it's an excellent result." Many voters hope the EU spells a brighter future. One woman said, "We voted for European Union membership because we think it'll be better for our children".