With Austria in charge the EU tries to get the show back on the road

CAN things get any worse for the European Union as it heads into 2006? It most certainly can but there are signs that people are trying to get the show back on the road after the annus horribilus that was 2005.

There are a number of items on the agenda that are significant for Ireland too including new rules for overseas workers, asylum seekers, possible developments in taxation, funding for rural development and research and development, and a possible agreement on measures to avoid another Irish Ferries situation.

The Austrians are in charge of the agenda for the first six months of this year. Expectations are low given that the Austrian’s tend to be the least enthusiastic with the EU.