Germany is joining France and Britain in plans for a European rapid-reaction force that could be sent to trouble spots around the world.
Britain and France launched the initiative in November, aiming to set up highly mobile brigades that could be dispatched with 15 days' notice - part of Europe's efforts to build up its own military capabilities.
German government spokesman Hans-Hermann Langguth said the force would help improve "the ability of the European Union to prevent and cope with world crises," though he gave no details of the German involvement. He said the plan has been presented to other EU members.
The announcement came as the leaders of Germany, France and Britain prepared to meet next week in Berlin.
British Prime Minister Tony Blair and French President Jacques Chirac announced plans in November for a small rapid-reaction force of about 1,500 peacekeepers. Both took pains to assure Washington that their efforts to bolster Europe's military would not undermine the Nato alliance.
Langguth said the new force would be "created in full compatibility with Nato."
Last year, European defence ministers also agreed to establish a 60,000-strong force that could be deployed within 60 days if at UN request.