The European Union will hold high-level security talks on Friday to assess what additional anti-terrorism measures to take in the wake of the bombings in Madrid, the Irish prime minister announced Monday. Prime Minister Bertie Ahern said proposals would include a “solidarity clause” committing nations to help each other in response to terror attacks, the appointment of a special EU official to coordinate counterterrorism operations in Europe, improved intelligence sharing and closer cooperation with non-EU nations to combat terrorism at a global level. “The callous and cowardly attacks on 11 March served as a terrible reminder of the threat posed by terrorism to our society,” Ahern said in a statement. “We condemn utterly those who planted the bombs that wrought such destruction and cost so many lives last Thursday. Full Story