As I read the priorities set out by the EU's new Dutch Presidency, I began thinking about my own. What are my priorities for the next six months?

I don't know about you, but one of my biggest problems is staying focused. We live in a time when there's just too much information and too many details with which to keep up. And, unless we have established our priorities, we are in danger of losing focus and getting nowhere.

This is especially true of Bible prophecy. The first problem is sometimes we don't know on what we should focus. And, when we do, we find it hard to keep our focus where it belongs. That's where my priorities come in to play. 

You see, one of my priorities is to continue reporting on the events in Europe and Israel, and how they may relate to the fulfillment of Bible prophecy. That being the case, let's take a look at the priorities listed by the Dutch EU Presidency: 

The enlargement of the European Union, the sustainable growth of the European economy, security, a sound European multiannual budget and a more effective role for the EU in the world. The Netherlands also plans to start a debate with the Union’s citizens and governments on how to advance European integration and cooperation and on common European values Read about it here.

Notice the first priority listed has to do with enlargement. Although the EU beast hasn't even finished digesting the last 10 new member states, it still has room for a few more. However, the big question is, is it in the mood for Turkey?

The reason Turkey is in question is because of another important priority listed -- security. You see, Turkey is mostly Muslim. And already, some of the EU member states feel threatened by their growing Muslim populations. This is especially true of France. That's why French President Jacques Chirac got so angry when President George Bush, at the recent NATO summit, backed Turkey's membership in the EU. Chirac is very opposed to Turkey's membership in the EU.

Other EU members see it differently. Another Dutch priority is giving the EU a more effective role in the world. And some -- like the EU's High Representative Javier Solana --  think the EU gaining Turkey could help this happen. Not only is Turkey a member of NATO, Turkey is seen as both a strategic and cultural bridge between Europe and the Middle East.

And this brings us to Solana. What are Solana's priorities now that his term as the EU's High Representative has been renewed? Well, I suspect all we need to do is look again at the Dutch priorities. I think the Dutch priorities and Solana's priorities are the same.

I say this because the Dutch Presidency is reported to be pro-Atlanticist Read about it here. And pro-Atlanticist is a code word for being for the Western European Union (WEU). That's because the WEU is a 10-nation military alliance made up of both EU and NATO nations. The Netherlands is a member of this alliance. Solana is Secretary General of the alliance. And, guess what? Solana is also always said to be a pro-Antlanticist. It's a code word.

My point is the following: I believe the priorities of the Dutch Presidency may actually be Solana's priorities. 

And Solana has no problem staying focused.