Consolidation. For Europe, the year just getting underway will be the year of consolidation. In particular, the EU needs to consolidate the economic and political changes afoot, finalise various aspects of these and plug any remaining gaps. At the same time, it must clarify and perfect its external policy, which presupposes not taking a direct part in any armed conflict, and reinforcing dialogue and cooperation with third countries. Obviously, there is no question of any further enlargement,...