Europe Awakens.

Finally, there is a “president” of the EU, (what a misnomer since he’s really president only of “The Council”, but who’s noticing that?), who reminds me of my late husband, Martijn – an intellectual listener who speaks Dutch and probably actually CARES about conciliation. Okay, his hard line Catholicism better not cloud his secular role.

Herman van Rompuy

And, while I don’t agree with his position against Turkey’s eventual ascension into “the club” also known as the EU, nevertheless, he has shown he knows how to herd cats. Cats in battleships. Just look at how he calmed Belgium’s tempestuous past political seas for proof. This guy knows how to use kibbles and clean up the litter!

Bravo for good old Europe. She seems to be awakening from a long sleep and figuring out that with a half billion ‘citizens’ she could do a lot more as a power in this needy world. Lisbon is a bit of wind in the sails.

Baroness Catherine Ashton

And ... appointing a British, female High Commissioner who also may prove to be a player rather than a wannabe celebrity. Bravo again.

Europe’s bureaucrats have made distinctly not sexy selections in “the low-key Belgian Prime Minister, Herman van Rompuy, and Baroness Catherine Ashton, 53, who has been the EU's trade commissioner for little more than a year.” Hoorah for non-sexy! Somehow, as an American I can proclaim this loud and clear. The sound-bitten, great-looking elected official has dominated American politics. (Okay, President Obama fits part of this bill, but he happens to have a lot more than straight white teeth and good looks.) Europe, sans orthodontics and quaffed coiffures, has made an historic choice. Mr. van Rompuy and Ms. Ashton received unanimous accord. As firsts to figurehead the highly contested Lisbon Treaty’s new offices, they seem perfect. Europe doesn’t need grandstanders to fill these first spots. Europe’s new ‘officers’ need balance and centeredness. What a concept, eh?

I think this day will be remembered if there’s a world 100 years from now. I think Europe might begin to move from purely economic to a somewhat political entity. And, I think it’s about time.