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