Commission Vice-President Maros Sefcovic has taken over Mr Dalli's duties on an interim basis until a new commissioner of Maltese nationality is appointed.

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Ms Sturgeon, who wrote to European Commission Vice President Maros Sefcovic on the status of an independent Scotland, said it had shown "neutrality".

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European Commission vice-president Maros Sefcovic urged MEPs to focus on the March summit, which he said would bring forward new measures on growth and jobs.

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