British and French leaders begin a two-day meeting in the northern French port of St Malo later today that is expected to focus on developing a collective military role for Europe.

The new initiative follows the announcement in October by the British prime minister, Tony Blair, that Britain was dropping its long-standing opposition to a defence role for the European Union.

But Britain and France -- the two leading military powers in Europe -- are divided on the institutional shape this should take.

British officials say they hope today's meeting will bring agreement on a set of basic principles.

A series of military cooperation accords are also expected to be signed.