Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) visited Taipei this week to gain firsthand insights into Taiwan’s comprehensive approach to addressing hybrid threats, foreign interference, and disinformation. The delegation from the special committee on the European Democracy Shield (EUDS) engaged in extensive discussions with key government officials, legislators, think tanks, civil society organisations, and media representatives during their three-day visit.
The primary objective of this mission was to facilitate the exchange of best practices in countering hybrid threats and enhancing societal resilience, while also strengthening cooperation between the European Union and Taiwan. The findings from this visit will significantly inform the EUDS committee’s forthcoming report and contribute to the development of EU policies aimed at safeguarding European democracy against similar challenges.
The delegation, led by EUDS Chair Nathalie Loiseau (Renew, FR), was accompanied by Tomáš Zdechovský (EPP, CZ), Michał Wawrykiewicz (EPP, PL), Kathleen Van Brempt (S&D, BE), Markéta Gregorová (Greens/EFA, CZ), and Engin Eroglu (Renew, DE), in his capacity as Chair of the Delegation with the People’s Republic of China.
Throughout their visit, the MEPs met with President Lai Ching-te, Foreign Affairs Minister Lin Chia-Lung, Deputy Defence Minister Alex Po, and Deputy Speaker of the Legislative Yuan Johnny Chiang, along with various Taiwanese lawmakers. In addition, they held discussions with journalists and representatives from civil society organisations and think tanks.
At the conclusion of the visit, Nathalie Loiseau, as Chair of the Special Committee on the European Democracy Shield and head of the delegation, issued a formal statement regarding the outcomes and significance of the discussions held during their time in Taiwan.
“Democracies are under attack worldwide from authoritarian regimes. The EU and Taiwan are facing similar challenges when it comes to foreign interference. It is therefore necessary to strengthen our dialogue and exchange good practice. Our delegation was especially interested in knowing more about Taiwan’s whole-of-society approach to defence and resilience. Our interlocutors were very interested in EU regulations such the Digital Services Act and the European Media Freedom Act. We strongly support Taiwan’s vibrant democracy and more cooperation between the EU and Taiwan,” stated Nathalie Loiseau.
