As a result the union state is now heading for break-up.

Putin has pushed hard to make the union state more of a political and economic reality.

There are now four capital cities, four administrations and four legislatures in the once monolithic union state.

But one thing is clear: the union state is not a unitary state, still less an English state.

Belarus and Russia are close allies and members of the Collective Security Treaty Organisation and, on paper, part of a union state.

And African Union states have backed a non-binding proposal for mass withdrawal.

Iowa, a Union state, has three Confederate monuments, all dedicated after 2000.

European Union states have halted some aid and threatened further punitive steps.

The convention comes into force in 12 European Union states on Monday.

It is also expected to pass European Union state aid rules.

The green energy would be used in Europe and Mediterranean Union states producing it.

The scheme is subject to European Union state aid clearance.

Because of European Union state-aid rules, the government could not inject capital into TAP.

European Union state Romania will wait for EU approval before issuing guarantees, the ministry said.

The United States and most European Union states are expected to recognise Kosovo independence soon.

Russia attracts millions of migrants from former Soviet Union states, which depend on their remittances.