Britain has formally notified the European Union of its intention to withdraw from the bloc's military missions by the end of this year, EU officials told envoys on Wednesday, diplomats said.
As one of Europe's biggest military powers, Britain is central to European security efforts but EU and British negotiators agreed in March 2018 that Britain could not continue to lead or take part in EU missions when London leaves the EU.
Spain and Italy have agreed to take a larger role in many of the EU's 17 peacekeeping and training operations around the world.
Spain and Italy have agreed to take a larger role in many of the EU's 17 peacekeeping and training operations around the world.