Plans to set up a joint Military Planning and Conduct Capability (MPCC) facility, agreed by all 28 member states in March, had been stalled by British objections to the facility having an operational military role.

But speaking to reports in Brussels following a meeting of EU defence ministers on Thursday, the EU's Foreign Affairs commissioner Federica Mogherini said the path was now clear, and plans would be progressed within the next few days.

"I understand it is finalised. I understand we have a couple of days to have the official text in place," she said.