Infographic: European countries to formalize EU defence force plan

Nine EU countries are set to create a European military intervention force, with Britain backing the move as a way to maintain strong defence ties with the bloc after Brexit. The force, known as the European Intervention Initiative and championed by French President Emmanuel Macron, is intended to be able to deploy rapidly to deal with crises, according to AFP. A letter of intent is due to be signed in Luxembourg on Monday by France, Germany, Belgium, Britain, Denmark, the Netherlands, Estonia, Spain and Portugal