EU parliament delegation starts a six-day visit to Taiwan

Sarhan Basem
Credit: MOFA photo

A cross-party delegation of European Parliament members reached Taiwan on 27 Oct 2024 to start a six-day visit. MEP Michael Gahler of Germany is also participating in this visit in his capacity as an individual MEP. The delegation will conduct discussions with Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim and other officials. Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of China (MOFA) received the MEPs upon arrival and expressed appreciation for making the journey. The group will be in Taiwan until 1 Nov 2024.

The panel of MEPs which also includes Bernard Guetta from France and Ondƙej Koláƙ from the Czech Republic is the first delegation from the European Parliament to have visited Taiwan since the European Union‘s legislative branch carried out a round of elections in June, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of China. Markus Poesentrup is also part of the delegation, serving as the head of MEP Michel Gahler’s office in the European Parliament.

What issues are the Taiwan-EU discussions expected to cover?

During the group’s tour, which lasts until Nov. 1, the diplomats will meet with Hsiao, join a banquet hosted by Deputy Foreign Minister François Wu and visit the nation’s top legislation body, the Legislative Yuan, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of China stated in a press release.

The European dignitaries will also have a discussion with figures from NGOs and main political parties in Taiwan to immerse in discussions on issues such as Taiwan-EU economic relations and the geopolitical situation to investigate opportunities for further cooperation, it stated.

Why did the European parliament pass a resolution on China?

The European delegation’s visit comes after the European Parliament on Oct. 24 assumed a resolution regarding the

“misinterpretation of United Nations General Assembly Resolution 2758 by the People’s Republic of China (PRC) and its continued military provocations around Taiwan,”

MOFA said. Voicing opposition to the PRC’s use of the 1971 resolution that superseded Taipei with Beijing at the U.N. to block Taiwan’s participation in U.N.-related international organizations to this day, the European Parliament resolution was assumed by 432 votes in acceptance and 60 against.

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Sarhan Basem is Brussels Morning's Senior Correspondent to the European Parliament. With a Bachelor's degree in English Literature, Sarhan brings a unique blend of linguistic finesse and analytical prowess to his reporting. Specializing in foreign affairs, human rights, civil liberties, and security issues, he delves deep into the intricacies of global politics to provide insightful commentary and in-depth coverage. Beyond the world of journalism, Sarhan is an avid traveler, exploring new cultures and cuisines, and enjoys unwinding with a good book or indulging in outdoor adventures whenever possible.
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