Taiwan and EU Strengthen Democratic and Economic Partnership

Taiwan emphasized the importance of deepening its partnership with Europe to safeguard democracy, counter authoritarian pressures, and expand economic cooperation. Officials highlighted that Europe, as the birthplace of modern democracy and advanced technology, has long been a key partner for Taiwan, particularly in the semiconductor industry. European investment in Taiwan has already exceeded US$73 billion, with leading firms like ASML and Belgium’s IMEC playing crucial roles in the island’s “silicon shield.”
Amid growing authoritarian challenges from China, Russia, North Korea, and Iran, Taiwan stressed the need for integrated diplomacy with Europe, built on three pillars: values-based, alliance-driven, and economic collaboration. The strategy includes fostering ties with NATO, the EU, and individual European nations through region-specific engagement — from western Europe’s G7 members to central and eastern Europe, the Nordics, the Baltics, and southern Europe.
Taiwan is also promoting its Five Trusted Industry Sectors — semiconductors, AI, next-generation communications, defense, and security — to align with Europe’s reindustrialization and supply chain diversification goals. Beyond economics, both sides are advancing cultural, educational, and security exchanges to build resilience against hybrid threats and strengthen democratic defense.
Positioning itself as a new middle power, Taiwan aims to act not only as a defender of democracy but also as an architect of global prosperity. Through closer collaboration with Europe, Taiwan envisions building a “democracy shield” and shared framework for a more secure and prosperous future.