TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — The Formosa Club, an alliance of European parliamentarians established in 2019, began its annual conference in Taipei on Monday, expressing support for Taiwan’s inclusion in international organizations, per CNA.
Rihards Kols, a Latvian politician and chair of this year’s conference, said at the opening ceremony, “Taiwan’s status impacts global security, European economic stability, and the credibility of the international rules-based order.”
He urged global democracies to “strengthen the international rules-based order and enhance partnerships among democratic societies here in the Indo-Pacific.”
It was the second annual meeting of the Formosa Club and the first time it was held in Taiwan. About 45 members of the European Parliament and national parliaments from 18 European countries attended.
Kols praised Taipei as a “city that never sleeps,” describing it as vibrant, open, and a symbol of democracy. "Taipei is vibrant at night and enjoys freedom of speech, thought, and expression, which are hallmarks of a mature democracy," he said.
Kols warned that democracies face systemic threats, while authoritarian regimes challenge the global order. “We are determined to face these challenges together, and more importantly, to take action,” he said.
He emphasized Taiwan’s economic importance, noting it is Europe’s 13th-largest trading partner and a critical link in the global semiconductor supply chain. “Taiwan not only shares the same values, but is also a significant benefit to Europe,” he said.
Kols expressed gratitude to the Taiwanese for supporting Ukraine and backing sanctions against Russia. He said many actors, including Russia, are using military action and coercion to alter the rule of law-based international order. “Any hesitation will be interpreted by dictators as weakness,” Kols added.
Taiwan’s Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung (林佳龍) also addressed the gathering, saying Taiwan is committed to “increasing economic security and building resilient supply chains,” in line with its broader vision of ensuring shared prosperity.
“As Europe seeks to diversify its relations and increase its autonomy, Taiwan stands ready as a reliable, trustworthy, and innovative partner,” Lin said.
Michael Gahler, chair of the European Parliament’s Taiwan Friendship Group, said in a pre-recorded message that Taiwan is a “valuable and reliable partner,” adding that maintaining Taiwan’s democratic way of life is in the EU’s interest. He said the Formosa Club will continue to advocate for Taiwan’s international engagement.
