EU calls emergency summit in wake of Madrid bombs

European Union justice and interior ministers are due to meet on Friday for an emergency summit to discuss the fallout from last week’s Madrid bombings.

The summit was arranged by the Irish presidency of the EU to discuss what measures to take following the attack, which killed at least 201 people.

The Taoiseach, Bertie Ahern, said yesterday that proposals due for discussion would include a "solidarity clause" committing EU member states to helping each other in the event of another attack.

He also said the ministers would discuss the possibility of appointing an EU official to co-ordinate counter-terrorism operations, improved intelligence sharing and closer co-operation with non-EU nations to combat terrorism at a global level.