The European Union and other major European countries welcomed the new U.N. sanctions resolution on North Korea, urging Pyongyang to cease its nuclear and missile development.

"The EU will swiftly transpose this resolution into EU law and will consider whether additional autonomous restrictive measures are called for to complement this resolution," EU foreign affairs chief Federica Mogherini said in a statement.

She said the resolution reflects the international community's determination to target the North's nuclear and ballistic missile programs and its ability to finance them. Mogherini also urged the North to abide by all its international obligations.

British Foreign Secretary Philip Hammond also welcomed the resolution, saying its unanimous adoption "demonstrates that the international community is prepared to take tough measures in response to such violations.

"North Korea must put a stop to these provocations and take tangible steps to re-engage constructively with the international community," he said in a statement. 

"If it is willing to change its approach and take concrete steps towards re-engagement, it will find that the international community will respond positively," he said. "If it continues on its current course, prioritizing the development of its nuclear and ballistic missile programmes over improving the well-being of its own people, it will face further isolation and Security Council action."

Germany's Foreign Ministry also issued a statement welcoming the resolution, saying it sent "an important signal to those in power in Pyongyang following the unacceptable provocations, the conduction of a nuclear test and the launch of a rocket using ballistic technology." (Yonhap)