The European Union's new counter terrorism co-ordinator, Gijs de Vries, has said that Europe remains vulnerable to a major terrorist attack.
Speaking at an EU meeting in Dublin, Mr de Vries said no country, including Ireland, was immune to the threat of al-Qaeda or al-Qaeda inspired attacks.
He said it was essential that EU countries remain united in the struggle against terrorism.
Mr de Vries was appointed to co-ordinate the EU's anti-terrorism strategy after the Madrid train bombings of 11 March. He has proposed a common EU strategy to tackle terrorism.
According to the anti-terrorism co-ordinator, links between police forces must be strengthened and EU parliaments need to ratify tougher anti-terror laws.
