Brussels, 10/06/2003 (Agence Europe) - In a referendum held at the weekend, Poles voted overwhelmingly in favour of joining the EU (77.45% with 22.55% voting against). The 58% turnout exceeded the 50% minimum so the outcome of the referendum is binding on the Polish government, authorising the Polish President, Aleksander Kwasniewski, to sign the Accession Treaty. The mass yes vote was welcomed with relief in Poland and the rest of Europe with the European Commission describing it as a turning point in the history of Europe. European Commission President Romano Prodi said a large and proud nation had moved on after a tragic twentieth century and was now free to take the place it should have occupied at the very beginning of the European integration process. The Polish population's support should enhance the last round of preparations for Poland's entry, said Enlargement Commissioner Günter Verheugen, pointing out that preparations had to be completed by 1 May 2004.