The Homecoming

The first time somebody tried to "integrate" the Czechs was in 1618, when the rulers of the Habsburg Empire told them not so politely that they all had to become Catholic. Immediately, Vienna had the Thirty Years' War on its hands, and the defiance continued for three centuries. Nor were the Czechs enthusiastic about a "united Europe" run by the Nazis or the Soviets. On May 1, though, the Czechs won't resist but rejoice — along with all the other East and Central European countries slated to enter the European Union.

Why? Listen to Tomás Chalupa, 29, borough...