A new super power has arrived. It's called the European Union. And, it's growing more powerful all the time. Today it's made up of 25 nations. Its goal is to get even bigger. Soon it may become a monster of up to 50 nations.

That's why I find the idea of a nation like Luxembourg holding the EU's presidency amusing. Luxembourg is 51 miles long and 32 miles wide. It has two airports of which only one is paved. And, it's not even a democracy. It's a constitutional monarchy. That means, Luxembourg's head of state is not elected, he or she inherits the Office.

Think about it. Here we have this unelected monarch of a tiny nation not only running the largest economic and political union on earth, this person is running much of the Western world.

Although so small, Luxembourg was a founding member of the EU, is a member of NATO and is one of the 10 full member states of the Western European Union. In other words, Luxembourg's monarch could end up being one of the 10 horns of Bible prophecy.

That's why this visit by Condoleezza Rice to Europe intrigues me. It's said it is a preparatory visit for President Bush who, next month, will be attending the important NATO summit. Rice will be meeting with the holder of the EU's presidency, Luxembourg's head of government Prime Minister Jean-Claude Juncker, and with the EU's High Representative, Javier Solana.

In July, Britain -- also one of the 10 WEU nations -- will take over the EU presidency. That means, should Rice wish to visit Europe after July, she would meet with British Prime Minister Tony Blair and, of course, with Solana.

In 2006, Finland and Austria will control the EU presidency. Neither of these nations are members of the WEU alliance. That means, whatever agenda Solana and his 10 WEU states may have, they will have this year in which to achieve it. 

After that, when in Europe, Rice will have to meet with the Finish EU presidency.

And, of course, with Solana.

Catching on?