London fog over Rome as EU gropes for Brexit unity

A man walks past the European Commission headquarters in Brussels on which is displayed a banner celebrating the 60 years after the signing of the Treaty of Rome, in Brussels, Belgium March 20, 2017. REUTERS/Yves Herman

ROME (Reuters) - European leaders hope to paper over simmering disputes when they meet in Rome on Saturday to celebrate 60 years of union, but with Britain filing for divorce next week, the mood will be sombre and unity under strain.

Theresa May, who next Wednesday will launch a two-year countdown to Brexit, will be conspicuous by her absence in Rome, as the other 27 EU leaders try to put aside differences for fear the British prime minister could exploit their disunity to cut a sweet deal they fear would encourage others to quit.