The basic questions surrounding the privatisation of the postal service are the same as those surrounding the privatisation of any essential public service. Can a private enterprise whose primary goal is to draw profit be expected to offer the same level of service as a public service whose only goal is to provide that service even if it is a detriment to their bottom line?
When both sides have a claim to this small but strategically significant piece of land, the way to resolve the issue should be through negotiations between the parties, just as the EU is calling for. Why then has the EU prejudged the outcome of those negotiations by taking the Palestinian side of the argument?
Many of the risks in the year ahead could be the result of what might be characterised as drift. A lack of leadership and political will that leaves nations and regions without a clear strategy to solve serious long-term challenges. And in the sense of drifting apart through a divergence of interests over time.
It's no wonder then that the European Parliament has been so keen to defend the Erasmus programme. It significantly boosts career prospects and improves engagement in the European project.