Javier Solana, the so-called "High Representative" of the EU -- in effect its foreign policy supreme -- is working on the command structure and seeking to ease the worries of countries like Turkey, currently in NATO but not in the EU, that they will be squeezed out of future decisions on European security.

CNN: Europe bites bullet with defence force

The treaty - formally passed at the end of 2009 - created the position of EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs to oversee the EU's foreign affairs responsibilities.

BBC: Security and Defence Committee

It created the External Action Service, which is the EU's diplomatic corps, established at its head the post of high representative for foreign affairs and abolished the merry-go-round of foreign-policymaking by EU presidencies that formed new sets of priorities every six months.

ECONOMIST: Letters

Mr Farage had been strongly critical of the appointment of Cathy Ashton as the EU's High Representative for foreign affairs, who he described as having "married well" and "risen without trace".

BBC: European Council Statement

Mr Wammen was addressing the plenary on behalf of Baroness Ashton, the EU's High Representative for Foreign Affairs.

BBC: MEPs debate Sudan-South Sudan crisis

It would also establish a new post of president of the European Council - the grouping of EU states' leaders - and a high representative for foreign affairs.

BBC: Irish EU treaty referendum closes

His supporting cast includes Sir John Cunliffe, UK Permanent Representative to the EU, who is high in the demonology of Conservative eurosceptics.

BBC: Week ahead in committees