EU leaders will meet today in Slovakia's capital Bratislava ---- the first such meeting since the UK withdrew from the bloc. The meeting is expected to focus on finding common ground for the migrant crisis and security issues, from borders and violent attacks to the economy.

Slovakia is the next stop for the leaders of all European Union member states - except the United Kingdom. The government in Bratislava is an outspoken critic of what it sees as Brussels' overbearing reach. But chairing this informal summit of EU leaders - it's task will be to find some common ground among many divisions: and it's understood defense integration is likely to be a focal point.

Leaders are thought likely to discuss a proposal presented on Wednesday by European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker - which includes establishing a permanent EU military headquarters; and a joint fund for defense procurement. The first steps towards an EU military force.

Britain had long opposed such moves - preferring NATO and worrying about duplication. So some believe progress may be more likely with the UK's absence.

But that means there's no scapegoat for a lack of progress either. And that, say analysts, might fuel further accusations from critics who say the EU is failing.