Firmness and wisdom. 2010 does not in itself imply any significant institutional innovations in the EU - with one very important exception - given that the Lisbon Treaty is already in force; the high representative/permanent president of the Foreign Affairs Council has already taken up his role; and that the “Barroso II” European Commission is awaiting Parliament's investiture so that it can be formally appointed. This exception is the permament president of the European Council. Herman Van...