TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) is urging the European Parliament to sign an economic partnership agreement between Taiwan and the EU.

Lai met with European Parliament members Reinis Poznaks and Beatrice Timgren in Taipei on Wednesday, per CNA. The European Parliament has expressed support for an EPA with Taiwan, but the European Commission has been more reserved. 

The president has been pushing for an EPA since he served as vice president under former President Tsai Ing-wen (蔡英文). He said the EPA would boost economic security and international competitiveness for Taiwan and the EU, as both sides maintain a complementary relationship in semiconductors, AI, and green energy. 

Citing the Russian-Ukrainian War as an example, Timgren emphasized the importance of democracies standing together against authoritarianism. He said this is viewed as a form of defense against China and Russia.

Meanwhile, Poznaks reflected on his experience coming from a smaller European country, Latvia. He said he could understand the feelings of Taiwanese, as they are also facing threats from a large neighbor.