berlin/brussels least 20 countries european union sign new defense pact next week promote france germany fund develop joint military hardware show unity follow britain decision quit bloc years spend cutbacks europe heavy reliance unite state nato alliance france germany hope accord sign nov. 13 brussels tie nations tight defense collaboration cover troop weapons permanent structure cooperation pesco could big leap eu defense policy decades may go way match bloc economic trade prowess powerful military differences remain paris berlin countries legally bind pact eu diplomats say france want core group governments bring money military assets pesco well willingness intervene abroad germany seek broaden pact make inclusive experts say could make less effective bring high level commitment go work say eu official describe pesco defense marriage eu already plenty forums discussion official say far france germany italy spain around 16 eu countries pledge join pact could formally launch eu leaders meet december members include denmark portugal malta ireland yet commit publicly clear britain intend leave bloc follow brexit referendum june 2016 would participate officials say britain long seek block eu defense cooperation fear could result eu army french diplomats say pact would several areas eu governments would agree work together pledge fund include eu military operations investment acquire defense capabilities together group german official say initiative momentum french president emmanuel macron call european intervention force september u.s. president donald trump insistence europe security proposals pesco include work european medical command network logistic hubs europe creation crisis response center joint train military officer key goal reduce number weapons systems prevent duplication save money improve joint operations could also serve umbrella project franco-german initiative design new fighter jet exist bilateral military cooperation agreements close tie germany netherlands efforts pact closely coordinate u.s.-led nato alliance ensure transparency avoid redundancies german official say one area nato eu officials see common grind need military zone free movement troop equipment loosely base eu passport-free travel schengen zone welcome integration maximum extent practical obviously want avoid duplication maximize transparency u.s. air force general tod wolters nato ally air commander tell reuters plan north atlantic treaty organisation would focus collective defense pesco would ensure quick efficient eu response events like 2014 ebola crisis africa official say happen competition nato german official say eu sign joint defense pact show post-brexit unity