Scotland's Nicola Sturgeon to meet with European Parliament chiefs about EU membership

Scotland's First Minister Nicola Sturgeon is already jumping to action on her pledge to ensure the country's membership in the European Union, despite Britain's vote to leave the organization. Sturgeon is set to meet with European Parliament chiefs in Brussels on Wednesday to negotiate Scotland's place in the 28-member bloc by presenting the country's "positions and interests," Reuters reports. "Our early priority has been to ensure that there is a widespread awareness across Europe of Scotland's different choice in the referendum and of our aspiration to stay in the EU," Sturgeon has told the Scottish parliament.

Although Britain elected to exit the EU, Scotland overwhelmingly voted to remain, 62 percent to 38 percent. Sturgeon has already said that she is open to the possibility of Scotland exiting the United Kingdom, if that becomes necessary to ensure the country's standing in the EU.

Sturgeon said she has discussed the Brexit fallout with Ireland's president and prime minister, and she next plans to meet with the EU's executive body, the European Commission.

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