US President Donald Trump and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen briefly spoke during Pope Francis’s funeral in Vatican City on Friday. An EU spokesperson Paula Pinha confirmed that during this brief exchange both leaders agreed to arrange a formal meeting to discuss pressing matters. No official date for the upcoming meeting has been announced yet but it is expected to focus heavily on trade issues.

Trade Tensions Loom over Planned Trump and Von Der Leyen Meeting

The US and European Union are currently locked in trade negotiations aimed at easing tariffs on automobiles aluminium and steel. Trump had earlier imposed 25 percent tariffs on European imports which sparked ongoing tensions between the two powers. EU Economy Commissioner Valdis Dombrovskis who recently visited Washington said more work is needed to reach a final trade agreement. 

Trump has historically shown skepticism toward the European Union preferring to deal directly with national leaders instead of the bloc’s central institutions. This meeting could mark a shift as Trump signals openness to broader talks.

An EU official said, “In their brief exchange, President von der Leyen and President Trump agreed to meet.” 

Both leaders reportedly exchanged pleasantries while discussing the urgency of resolving trade disputes. Other world leaders also used the funeral gathering for important diplomatic conversations signaling how global tensions often find room for discussion even in solemn moments.