EUobserver.com

Despite its image as a strong ally of the US, Poland has indicated it would support a boost in Europe's defence activities, including setting up the bloc's own military planning headquarters.

"We are in favour of a much stronger role for European defence, and that would include a military headquarters," said Polish defence minister Bogdan Klich, according to a news report in the International Herald Tribune.

"Those who say there is a contradiction between Atlanticist loyalties and European loyalties are wrong," Mr Klich suggested, adding "We try to combine the two."

The signal from Warsaw could prove crucial for the incoming French presidency of the European Union, starting in July. President Nicolas Sarkozy has indicated on several occasions that he will try to push for more integration in the area.

Paris has been arguing that a common defence in the face of common threats and security interests would be a logical step forward on the path of Europe's unification, initially proposing the creation of an independent EU military planning and defence force.

But Mr Sarkozy has had to somewhat water down his plans – at least in public - mainly due to opposition in Britain as the only other EU member state with a similar scale of defence spending.

UK leader Gordon Brown has been reluctant to show any support for big European initiatives, particularly as London has not yet ratified the EU's new treaty.

Poland indicates support for boosting EU's military role