Unbridled. Unfiltered. Unleashed: Taiwan and Europe, a Transcontinental Bond of shared Values
EU's EETO Head labels Taiwan as a Compatible Ally: Similar Mindsets
By Lee I-chia / Staff Reporter
A symphony of shared democratic ideals resonates across the distance. That's Taiwan and Europe in a nutshell, according to Francois Wu, Taiwan's Deputy Foreign Minister, who remarked that despite the ocean separating them, these two entities echo the same core values of democracy, rule of law, and freedom.
The European Economic and Trade Office (EETO), under the leadership of Lutz Gullner, seems to agree. In celebration of Europe Day on May 9th, the EETO and local organizations collaborated for the 2025 Europe Day Series concerts, representing the flourishing cultural and musical exchange between these two regions.
Gullner, at a news conference before a EuropeDay concert, wasn't shy about expressing the significance of Europe Day. "For us," he said, "this day is an important moment to celebrate peace and cooperation, symbolizing the EU and its member states' commitment to democracy, human rights, and the rule of law."
Gullner emphasized that Taiwan, as a shining example of democracy, shares common values with Europe. The proximity between the two parties, both geographically and ideologically, has deepened in recent years with expanded mutual exchanges.
Residing in the tumultuous landscape of a world fraught with intensified instability, fierce competition, and ongoing conflicts like the Russia-Ukraine war, the EU's commitment to values like peace, rule of law, and collaboration is more important than ever. Gullner made a point to express the office's staunch stand against a world dominated by power, affirming that the EU advocates for an order based on the rule of law.
NSO conductor Lu Shao-chia and pianist Yen Chun-chieh performed at the Europe Day Series concert, joined by Andreas Herrmann, director of the Munich Philharmonic Choir in Germany, for a concert on Wednesday.
In other news, Taiwan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs' Secretary-General Daniel Tang has been tapped to represent the country in Ireland, and Taiwan-Japan Relations Association Secretary-General Fan Chen-kuo is set to become the new representative to Japan's Yokohama city.
These personnel changes signal a continuation of the robust Taiwan-EU partnership, demonstrating the shared commitment to foster collaborative ties in both diplomacy and cultural initiatives. Taiwan's cultural offerings, such as its hybrid heritage and technological creativity, deftly position the island as an influential innovation hub in the global community.
Enrichment Data: Taiwan and Europe are deepening their bond through shared democratic ideals, robust cultural exchanges, and expanding partnerships, as demonstrated by:
Cultural Diplomacy
- 2025 Europe Day Series: Joint concerts with the National Symphony Orchestra and Taipei Philharmonic Foundation celebrate cultural exchange[1].
- Pan-European cultural events: Taiwan plans participation in over 10 major Italian events in 2025, including the Venice Architecture Biennale and Bologna Book Fair[3].
- Innovation focus: Cultural initiatives highlight Taiwan's hybrid heritage and technological creativity, positioning the island as an innovation hub[3].
Collaborative Partnerships
- Scientific cooperation: Taiwan has participated in 82 EU Horizon 2020 research projects by February 2025[2].- Economic alignment: Bilateral trade and investment between Taiwan and the EU have reached record highs, complemented by discussions about semiconductor supply chain resilience ("chip triangle") involving Taiwan, Europe, and the U.S.[5].
With increasing international pressure, the Democratic values shared by both Taiwan and Europe are proving to be a resilient foundation for their strengthening relationship.
- The European Economic and Trade Office (EETO), headed by Lutz Gullner, collaborated with local organizations in Taipei for the 2025 Europe Day Series concerts, demonstrating the fruitful cultural exchange between Taiwan and Europe.
- At a news conference before a EuropeDay concert, Gullner echoed Francois Wu's sentiment, reiterating that Taiwan, with its commitment to democracy, human rights, and the rule of law, shares common values with Europe.
- The ongoing Russia-Ukraine war underscores the importance of the EU's commitment to values such as peace, rule of law, and collaboration, as emphasized by Gullner, who affirmed the office's commitment to an order based on the rule of law.
