EU-Taiwan Relations in a New Reality: What Lies Ahead?

Brussels has secured a place for “Taiwan as a partner” in its political discourse. This dynamic cannot be understood in isolation; it is important to situate the relationship within the larger geopolitical picture, particularly considering the implications of China’s support for Russia’s aggression against Ukraine. Taiwan has also sought to better position itself vis-à-vis Europe by engaging with member states, particularly in Central and Eastern Europe, as well as with the EU as a bloc. Ultimately, however, beyond a Taiwan-friendly European Parliament and a more assertive European Commission, what matters most is the extent to which member states are willing to engage with Taiwan and push back against an assertive China. So far, member states’ political will has been only half-hearted. Questions remain on how to expand cooperation with Taiwan in a way that both increases the EU’s role in shaping Taiwan’s future and empowers Taiwan to exercise agency. Taiwan’s geostrategic relevance is likely to grow in the Indo-Pacific, a region of great significance to the EU’s own interests. Protecting these will require a more engaged Europe.