TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Pavel Fischer, a senior figure in Czech politics, told Nikkei Asia that Taiwan is vital to strengthening Europe’s defense supply chain.
Fischer said Russia’s invasion of Ukraine proves the world is not safe, as a permanent member of the UN Security Council can violate internationally recognized borders. He added that Russia is not acting alone, with China providing financial support and dual-use technologies.
With former US President Donald Trump restoring ties with Russia and pressuring Ukrainian authorities, Fischer said Europe must urgently strengthen its own defense. Earlier this month, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen proposed the “ReArm Europe” plan, aiming to raise 800 billion euros (about NT$28.5 trillion).
Fischer said the Trump administration’s stance on Ukraine, along with repeated calls for Taiwan to boost its defense spending, raises questions about whether the US would intervene if China invaded Taiwan.
According to Fischer, the European Union had a wake-up call, realizing that its prosperity had been built on cheap Russian energy, advantageous trade with China, and US military protection—all of which, he said, are now over.
He urged the EU to build a closer partnership with Taiwan on security, defense, and industrial upgrading. He also called for a Taiwan-EU investment agreement, saying, “The sooner, the better.”
“We have to open our eyes to the potential of cooperation with Taiwan,” he said, adding that Taiwan is a strong candidate for drone collaboration, given its chip and IT expertise.
Fischer served as Czech ambassador to France from 2003 to 2010, has run for president twice, and was elected senator in 2018. As chair of the Senate’s foreign affairs committee, he plays a key role in shaping Czech foreign policy.
His influence is especially notable as the Czech Republic has stood out in recent years for engaging with Taiwan, despite Beijing’s efforts to isolate the island democracy.
Fischer said now is the right time for the EU to work more closely with Taiwan, as more European governments recognize the risks of overreliance on Chinese imports and see the need to develop a non-red supply chain. “There is a need to buy something that is not toxic,” he said.
Fischer made the comments while in Taipei to attend the Yushan Forum, an annual event focused on security, defense, and national affairs. The forum regularly brings together foreign politicians, government officials, academics, and policy experts.
