EU, known as the European Security and Defence Policy.

ECONOMIST: NATO's future

The EU's 15 leaders approved a detailed report on European security and defence policy, compiled by France, but the scheme is viewed with concern by some NATO members, including the United States.

CNN: NATO battles EU over defence

In principle, November's agreement paves the way for co-operation on other areas of policy, such as European defence and security, where Lib Dems feel that Mr Blair has anyway stolen some of their best ideas.

ECONOMIST: Why Paddy will miss Peter most