WorldThe European Union on Monday approved plans for a military headquarters to coordinate overseas security operations, foreign affairs head Federica Mogherini said. Mogherini, who has pushed hard for the EU to take on an increased military role, said foreign and defence ministers of the 28 member states “unanimously” backed the project. “Today we decided to establish a MPCC (Military Planning Conduct and Capability facility) which will command the EU's non-executive military missions,” she told reporters. European Commission head Jean-Claude Juncker called for a common EU defence headquarters in September after the Brexit vote, resurrecting an idea that had circulated in the EU for years. The new facility will initially have a small staff of around 30 and come under the EU's existing military structures.

Source: Sunday Times March 06, 2017 16:00 UTC