Dutch Defence Minister Henk Kamp called the force--initially involving France, Italy, Spain, Portugal and the Netherlands, but open to others in the future--a "milestone" in Europe's developing security structure.
"I'm certain that this force will become an important capability, bridging the gap between military forces and civil police forces," said Kamp, chairing an informal meeting of EU counterparts.
Under the initiative, a 900-strong force with headquarters in Italy is expected to be set up by next year, to be deployed anywhere in the world within 30 days of a decision.
"There's no geographical limitation. If the EU decides it would be good to send it to Africa or Asia, it could be done," said a Dutch EU presidency diplomat.
The force is aimed specifically at helping managing post-crisis situations.
Paris says Germany, Poland and Belgium are interested in the plans--which will not be a standing force, rather pulling police together when a crisis blows up--although they do not currently have the right kind of forces.