European Commission: Juncker named as president, could push Britain towards EU exit

European union leaders meeting in Brussels have nominated former Luxembourg PM Jean-Claude Juncker as the next president of the European Commission.

The move came despite strong opposition from Britain. David Cameron has failed in his attempt to block the nomination of arch-federalist Jean-Claude Juncker as the next president of the European Commission

PM’s bid to block Jean-Claude Juncker has ended in defeat after the arch-federalist was nominated as the next president of the European Commission.

Mr Juncker was confirmed as the official nominee at the end of a tense lunch in Brussels during which Mr Cameron told EU leaders they could “live to regret” their decision.

"This is a sad day for Europe," Mr Cameron is understood to have told his counterparts.

"We want to live peacefully in Russia" - Crimea Russians

Crimea referendum on joining Russia to be held March 16

 About 50 people on Thursday morning rallied outside the local parliament in Simferopol, Crimea's capital, waving Russian and Crimean flags.

The posters they held was one that said "Russia, defend us from genocide." "We are tired of revolutions, maidans and conflicts and we want to live peacefully in Russia," said one of the bystanders, Igor Urbansky, 35. "Only Russia can give us a peaceful life."

NATO-Russia council to hold extraordinary meeting in Brussels Wednesday to discuss Ukraine invations

Russia accepts NATO proposal which will enable NATO-Russia council to hold extraordinary meeting in Brussels Wednesday to discuss Ukraine.

NATO allies are holding emergency talks in Brussels on the crisis in Ukraine, the second time in three days, following a request from Poland.

In calling the meeting, Poland, a neighbour of Ukraine, invoked a NATO rule allowing any ally to consult with the others if it feels its security, territorial integrity or independence are under threat, the so-called Article 4.