He stood down from the post in March 2007 , citing personal reasons , but it is commonly understood that the position 's mandate did n't have the necessary operational powers , as well as an overall reluctance within member states to supply information regarding anti-terror activities , even though the member states fully supported the establishment of the anti-terrorism coordinator after the 2004 Madrid train bombings . In September 2007 , MEPs called for the post to be filled , having been vacant for six months , and for it to be given real powers to carry out the post 's tasks . On 20 September 2007 , the Belgian Gilles de Kerchove was appointed to succeed De Vries in the post
2004 Madrid train bombings
2004 Madrid train bombings
Gijs de Vries