EU holds emergency terror talks

Amid a heightened state of alert across Europe, the EU is expected to create a new "Mr Terrorism" post to coordinate security strategy, and agree on a solidarity clause pledging all to come to the aid of an attacked EU state.

But simmering discord persists in particular over the sensitive issue of intelligence-sharing, with proposals for a "European CIA" facing likely rejection from EU heavyweights like France and Britain at the talks, hastily arranged after the devastating Spanish attacks.

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The Madrid blasts have revived fears of al-Qaeda attacks two and a half years after the September 2001 attacks on the United States.

British Home Secretary David Blunkett -- whose country is considered under particular threat -- said the priority should be implementing what was agreed after 9/11, rather than hammering out new measures.

"For goodness sake let's implement what we've agreed to. Let's cut out the waffle and let's make sure that whatever we do, we're practising what we preach at home," he said.