ECR Rapporteur Charlie Weimers is delighted that the first-ever European Parliament report on EU-Taiwan relations received such broad support from colleagues across all political groups. In an own-initiative report voted today, MEPs of the Foreign Affairs committee recommend that the HR/VP and the Commission intensify EU-Taiwan relations and pursue a comprehensive, enhanced partnership. An impact assessment, public consultation, and scoping exercise on a Bilateral Investment Agreement with Taiwan should be initiated before the end of 2021.
“We send a strong signal that the EU is increasingly ready to upgrade its relationship with our key partner Taiwan. Given that Taiwan is an important and like-minded partner in the Indo-Pacific region, it is instrumental for the EU to increase and strengthen cooperation and engagement with Taiwan, including at the highest levels”, Weimers said.
Speaking after the vote, Weimers continued:
“Especially at a time when we note increased military belligerence against Taiwan, as well as deliberate efforts to undermine learning about the truth concerning the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic, it is ever more urgent for the EU to work together with Taiwan in confronting disinformation from malign third countries.
“While freedom of religion and belief have dramatically deteriorated in the region surrounding Taiwan, it is striking to see the bright light that this nation continues to shine as an example of tolerance, the promotion of human rights and freedom of religion.”
Above all, the ECR Group considers Taiwan a key partner and an important democratic ally in the Indo-Pacific. Given Taiwan’s valuable contributions to the international community concerning many challenges of our time, the ECR Group strongly advocates for Taiwan’s meaningful participation as an observer in meetings, mechanisms and activities of international bodies, including the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO).