Five EU states signed an accord Friday creating a new European military police force deployable to crisis situations world-wide, the latest tool in Europe's developing security arsenal.
The agreement came as EU ministers again came under renewed pressure to do more to boost Europe's military muscle, with Britain's Defence Secretary Geoff Hoon notably urging other countries to boost defence budgets.
Dutch Defence Minister Henk Kamp called the European Gendarmerie Force (EGF) - initially involving France, Italy, Spain, Portugal and the Netherlands, but open to others later - a "milestone" in Europe's developing military muscle.
"I'm certain that this force will become an important capability, bridging the gap between military forces and civil police forces," said Kamp, chairing an informal meeting of EU counterparts.
Under the initiative, a 900-strong force with headquarters in Italy is expected to be set up by next year, to be deployed anywhere in the world within 30 days of a decision.
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