The Taoiseach today vowed to use Ireland's EU Presidency to step up the fight against terrorism as he signed a book of condolence in Dublin for victims of the Madrid bombings.
Mr Ahern said Europe should pull together to wipe out such acts of terrorism.
"I am signing this book as an expression of deepest sympathy on behalf of the Irish Government and the Irish people," he said.
"The international community has to work together to prevent such tragedy and we will be doing that at EU level."
The Taoiseach last night called for a Europe-wide three-minute silence to commemorate the victims, which should start at midday Madrid-time on Monday.
He said: "I am asking the Irish people to observe this commemorative silence on Monday next and hope it will be observed across the EU.
"It will demonstrate our collective sense of solidarity with Spain and its people and our steadfast determination to fight the scourge of terrorism, which threatens all of our basic freedoms."
He also called for work on the EU action plan on terrorism to be speeded up.
In a message to his Community colleagues, he said he aimed to adopt the action plan at the European Council scheduled for later this month.
"The Presidency has indicated that it will make proposals for further concrete actions in the coming days," he added.