The warning of a European army was at the core of the Brexit campaign

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The latest EU foreign policy document, titled Global Strategy, calls for an extended reach into new spheres as distant as the Middle East and sub-Saharan Africa.

It also outlined "gradual synchronisation and mutual adaptation" between different member states' individual defence strategies.

Ukip’s defence spokesman Mike Hookem said: “The EU wants its own Empire as former Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso made clear when he was in charge.

"This global strategy by the EU is yet another reason why last Thursday's result was a lucky escape for the UK.”