Each time the EU presidency changes hands, I wonder what it will mean for Solana and his 10-nation alliance. As you may know, the EU member states take turns at the presidency every six months. Soon the Italian presidency will be over and on January 1 next year, the Irish presidency will take over.

The first thing I want to know about this new member state taking over the EU presidency is if it's a member of Solana's 10-nation military alliance. Well, Ireland isn't a member of his alliance.

Next I find out if this member state is pro or anti-America. Ireland is pro-America.

Another thing I want to know is on which side of the constitutional battle does this member state fall. Will it support the larger member states who want a stronger, longer term EU president within the Council -- where Solana has his alliance, or is it on the side of the smaller member states who don't. Ireland is on the side of the smaller member states against a stronger president in the Council.

Then I take a look at the head of this member state. The president of Ireland is Mary McAleese. That's right, a woman is taking over the presidency of the EU. And, according to the EUobserver, she's very, very pro-American. Reporting a recent speech given by McAleese the EUoberver said: 

She said external relations will be another key aspect of the Irish presidency, mentioning that Ireland's own particular history makes it an especially "effective bridge to the United States, home to so many Irish emigrants." (Read about it here)

Like I said, she's very pro-America. It sounds like she wants to strengthen the EU's ties to American. And, she's against a stronger president in the Council where Solana has his 10-nation alliance.

Well, what do I think this coming Irish EU presidency may mean for Solana? I think it may present a serious bump in Solana's road. It'll be interesting to see how he handles it. The Irish don't have the EU presidency yet.

Stay tuned!