From the BBC: The European Union has scrapped a summit with the US, after President Barack Obama decided not to attend.

The event in Madrid in May was to have been the highlight of Spain’s six-month EU presidency, and the cancellation is seen as a humiliating blow.

Officials say the summit may take place later this year.

BBC European affairs correspondent Oana Lungescu says many see Mr Obama’s decision as a snub to the EU’s hopes of boosting its global role. (photo: Getty)