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AFP Sep 19, 2014, 05.03PM IST

(European Union leaders)

BRUSSELS: European Union leaders today hailed Scotland's rejection of independence, saying the vote will help strengthen and unite the 28-member bloc.

"I welcome the decision of the Scottish people to maintain the unity of the United Kingdom," European Commission head Jose Manuel Barroso said.

"This outcome is good for the united, open and stronger Europe that the European Commission stands for," Barroso said in a statement.

EU president Herman Van Rompuy said the outcome meant Britain "is and will remain an important member of the European Union to the benefit of all citizens and member states."

Neither Van Rompuy nor Barroso referred to the "In-Out" referendum on EU membership promised by British premier David Cameron for 2017 but Brussels is watching developments on that count carefully, stressing repeatedly how important the country is to the overall success of the bloc.

Barroso, who heads the EU's executive arm, said it would carry on a "constructive dialogue" with Scotland, which has limited self-rule powers but is now likely to get more, after voters said no to ending the 307-year-old union.

He said the commission welcomed the fact that during the independence debate "the Scottish Government and the Scottish people have repeatedly reaffirmed their European commitment."

"The European Commission will continue to engage in a constructive dialogue with the Scottish Government, in areas under its responsibility, that are important to Scotland's future, including jobs and growth, energy, climate change and the environment, and smarter regulation."

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European Union hails Scotland vote as boost for united Europe

BRUSSELS, July 31 (RIA Novosti) The European Union is expected to call on other states to join the economic sanctions against Russia which were announced on Thursday, the European Council said.

In order to maximize the impact of the measures referred to in this Decision, the Union shall encourage third States to adopt restrictive measures similar to those provided for herein, the statement published in the EU Official Journal said.

Earlier the EU partner countries Montenegro, Iceland, Albania, Liechtenstein, Norway, Moldova and Ukraine - joined the EU sanctions against individuals and entities for their alleged role in destabilizing Ukraine.

The European Union officially barred Russias biggest state-run banks Sberbank, VTB, Gazprombank, Vnesheconombank and Rosselkhozbank from raising financing on western capital markets Thursday.

The first round of sanctions against Russia was implemented by the United States and the European Union back in March as a response to Crimeas reunification with Russia following a referendum. Moscow has repeatedly said that the measures are counterproductive, and labelled the sanctions a road to nowhere."

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EU to Urge Other States to Join Economic Sanctions Against Russia

BRUSSELS, July 31 (RIA Novosti) The European Union has strongly condemned the shelling of a UN Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) school in Gaza and called for an immediate investigation into the incident, EU spokeswoman Maja Kocijancic said Thursday.

We are condemning in the strongest possible terms the attack on the UNRWA school in Gaza and the market in Shejaiya. We find unacceptable that innocent displaced civilians who were taking shelter in designated UN areas have been killed and we believe these incidents should be investigated with immediate effect, the spokesperson for EU Foreign Policy Chief Catherine Ashton said.

The European Union is deeply concerned by the catastrophic humanitarian situation in Gaza, she added.

We reiterate that all sides must meet their obligations and immediately allow safe and full humanitarian access for the urgent distribution of assistance, the spokeswoman stressed.

The European Union is calling on both sides of the conflict to establish a ceasefire, Ashtons spokesperson added.

If you are referring to Israeli military operations, weve been very clear that they need to be proportionate and in line with international humanitarian law, Kocijancic said when asked by a reporter why she did not give the name of the country whose actions the EU had condemned.

On Wednesday, at least twenty people were killed after shelling hit the UNRWA school in the Jabalia refugee camp located in the Gaza Strip, where Israel has been conducting a special military operation against the Hamas movement. More than 3,300 Palestinians were taking shelter in the school, according to the UNRWA. Additionally, at least 17 people died during the shelling of the market in Shejaiya near Gaza City on the same day.

Israel launched Operation Protective Edge to put an end to rocket fire from Gaza on July 8. On July 17, the Israeli Army switched to a ground assault largely aimed at locating and destroying rocket launchers and underground tunnels used by militants to smuggle arms and secretly enter Israeli territory. More than 1,300 Palestinians and over 40 Israelis have been killed since the clashes began.

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EU Condemns Attack on UN School in Gaza, Calls for Immediate Investigation

Future Anthem of the European Union (2030)
Europe stats for 2030. Capitol: New Riyadh (formerly Brussels.) Largest city: New Mogadishu (formerly London.) Religion: Islam (1 billion adherents.) Political system: Islamic theocratic socialism.

By: Styxhexenhammer666

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Future Anthem of the European Union (2030) - Video

European Union: Falling Apart?

By: Jay Fidell

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European Union: Falling Apart? - Video