Will the year 2019 be a decisive one for Europe? Some signals seem to point that way.

However, huge retreats from previously held positions are not the real issue. Beyond Brexit, even if how thatmatter is going to be resolved cannot be clarified at this point of time, the repositioning of policies should not create too many problems as the agenda is being shaped.

Rather, the bigger challenges will arise over whether, yes or no, the EU can supply coherent replies to questions that have arisen over its way of doing things. Such as on immigration or austerity policies... It hardly needs repeating that both these matters remain crucial in determining whether the EU is going to be perceived as a positive or negative force by European citizens.

But again, beyond this:

How is the EU going to secure the support and unity in its ranks that it needs to implement the control systems introduced to manage the euro zone? Can it do so without continuing to lose the recognition it had acquired in the past as a pillar of social solidarity?                

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Tsunami

Earthquakes, erupting volcanoes, enormous surges of seawater that rush in from everywhere... such catclysms have occurred in past years in Indonesia and are still happening, like they could have meanwhile been occurring in the Mediterranean. The forecast is that such phenomena could come on line shortly.

Should we remain on the defensive, simply waiting for looming disasters caused by “nature”? Should we meekly wait for them to punish us? Or should we try and see how to avoid and contain them?

As far as the Mediterranean is concerned, it is likely that a tsunami will gather when part of the Etna mountain collapses. Superhot lava will be swallowed by the waters generating enormous waves that will sweep up everything in their path.

Who cares about what could happen in three hundred years’ time or later? Should we not leave it to future generations to face up to such a disaster... or should we prepare for it as of now? A majority will say: it’s up to our descendants to deal with a problem that will affect them, not us...

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Cribs at Nadur

I visited a good number of cribs which more than anything else, gave witness to well done pre-planning, to a strong sense of creativity and to a commitment for organizing a worthwhile event. They were put up by enthusiastic young people and their families, by voluntary associations as well as by gifted artists and artisans.

This was not the first time I was impressed by what I was shown at Nadur and in other Gozitan villages. Above all, the feeling of humble pride displayed when these exhibitions are being presented, cannot but increase the pleasure of visitors. They remain with the impression of a show that has been assembled with much effort in order to give them enjoyment, to surprise them, to stimulate their curiosity, and to give them a stronger... more personal and direct... share in Christmas and New Year celebrations.

I will remember what a young man told me as we viewed the huge crib he had built for this year: he explained what his plans already were for the crib that he hopes to design and build next year.

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All best wishes to the editor, staff and readers of The Malta Independent, as well as their families, for the New Year 2019.