Contrary to plans laid by the EU presidency, the EU and US will not hold a summit in Madrid in May. Philip Gordon, the US assistant secretary of state for European affairs, said on Monday (1 February) that US President Barack Obama needed to reduce his engagements abroad.
Afghanistan envoy
Catherine Ashton, the EU's foreign policy chief, has promised to appoint a new special envoy for Afghanistan soon. The envoy will also be in charge of the EU's delegation in Kabul, an innovation of the Lisbon treaty.
EU-Serbia trade
An interim trade agreement between Serbia and the EU came into force on Monday (1 February). Serbia began applying the agreement unilaterally a year ago.
Climate targets
The EU informed the UN on Thursday (28 January) that it intends to cut greenhouse-gas emissions by 20% by 2020. All heavy-polluting countries were required to file pledges by 31 January.
Iceland's accession
The Commission will on 24 February give its formal opinion on opening talks with Iceland on its application for EU membership. Icelanders will vote on 6 March in a referendum that could delay the start of accession talks.
Quality of life
Europeans living in the Nordic countries and the Netherlands are most likely to be satisfied with their lives, according to a Eurobarometer poll published on Tuesday (2 February). Satisfaction is lowest in Bulgaria, Hungary, Greece and Romania.
