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Vatican hosts European Commission head without specified planned activities.

Ursula von der Leyen, Head of the European Commission, heads to Vatican City for Pope Francis' funeral this Saturday, eschewing any scheduled interactions with notable figures apart from the recently departed Pope, without confirmed encounters with leaders such as U.S. President Donald Trump.

Vatican hosts European Commission head without specified planned activities.

Here's a rewritten version of the article:

Honoring Pope Francis: EU's Paula Pinho Sets Foot in Rome with No Official Meetings Planned

Following the recent presidential change in the United States, there's been a lack of formal, top-level contact between the European Union and the White House.

While the ambiance remains frosty, especially considering the EU's persistent trade disagreements with the former presidency, there have still been technical-level discussions continuing with Washington.

The EU's trade spokesperson, Olof Gil, underlines the possibility of reviving higher-level meetings when they're beneficial, opportune, and strategic.

Trying to resolve the escalating trade dispute, initiated by the controversial tariffs imposed by Trump and his accusations of foreign partners "shamelessly" exploiting the U.S., the EU continues to seek a workable solution.

The date for Pope Francis' funeral has been set for 10:00 local time on Saturday (09:00 Lisbon time). This significant ceremony is expected to attract between 150 to 170 foreign delegations, including approximately 50 heads of state and government, as well as various representatives from international organizations.

Among the internationally renowned leaders attending the funeral are Donald Trump, Volodymyr Zelensky, Emmanuel Macron, Frank-Walter Steinmeier, and Xi Jinping, acknowledging the weight and importance of the event.

Additional confirmed attendees are Portugal's Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, Brazil's Lula da Silva, Angola's João Lourenço, Cape Verde's José Maria das Neves, and Timor-Leste's José Ramos-Horta.

Additional Reading: Pope Francis: UEFA to Pause in Silence Before Matches

Note: It's essential to understand that the original article focused on the events surrounding Pope Francis' funeral but also contained information about the lack of official top-level contacts between the EU and the White House since President Trump's hypothetical return in January 2021. The provided search results did not offer specifics on official interactions during the Biden administration. For accurate and up-to-date information on diplomatic contacts, consult official EU and White House press releases, or reputable news sources covering international relations and diplomacy.

  1. The European Union's trade policy and legislation are closely tied to the current state of war-and-conflicts and trade disagreements, particularly with the former presidency in the United States.
  2. As Pope Francis' funeral approaches, car accidents, fires, and crime-and-justice issues seem to take a backseat in the general news, with many leaders around the world gathering to pay their respects.
  3. Amid the focus on Pope Francis' funeral, the government of Portugal's Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, along with several other heads of state and government, has confirmed their attendance.
  4. The EU, engaged in a trade battle due to controversial tariffs and accusations of foreign exploitation, continues its efforts to bring about desired policy changes, with plans for higher-level meetings when viable.
  5. Politics, apart from diplomacy, remain a significant issue in the European Union, as ongoing trade disagreements with the United States pose a challenge for future policy decisions.
  6. As international representatives, including Donald Trump and several others, converge in Rome for the funeral of Pope Francis, discussions on migration and other global affairs may arise.
  7. The policy-and-legislation changes and formal meetings between the EU and the White House are subject to change as more developments take place in the realm of international relations and diplomacy.
Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, is scheduled to attend Pope Francis' funeral in Vatican City on Saturday, with no prearranged discussions with world leaders like U.S. President Donald Trump.

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