PRAGUE -- Five years ago, the European Union was on the verge of fulfilling one of the aspirations of the Velvet Revolutions that swept across Central and Eastern Europe by expanding from 15 to 25 members through the accession of several post-communist states.  Yet, while the Berlin Wall and the Iron Curtain may have fallen into the dustbin of history, others vestiges of the Soviet era remain firmly in place.  Certain areas of the world have been transformed for the better, even as others have been suspended in time to fend for themselves.  One place that has not changed is Cuba, despite Fidel Castro’s decision to retire and hand the reigns of power over to his brother Raul.
PRAGUE -- Il y a cinq ans, l’Union européenne était sur le point de répondre à l'une des aspirations des "révolutions de velours" qui ont balayé l'Europe centrale et l'Europe de l'Est en élargissant de 15 à 25 le nombre de ses membres avec l'entrée de plusieurs pays post-communistes.