JET Newsletter - February 14th
A weekly summary of bilateral EU-Taiwan and EU-Japan relations.
Taiwan - EU
Taiwan’s Foreign and Culture Ministers met in New Taipei to discuss cultural diplomacy, with a specific focus on strenghtening ties with Japan and Europe. They plan to collaborate on artistic performances at the Osaka World Expo and leverage National Palace Museum exhibitions in the Czech Republic and France for a "Taiwan Culture Year." The ministries previously worked together on the Paris 2024 Cultural Olympiad, showcasing Taiwan’s culture through performances and exhibitions.
A delegation of the European Chamber of Commerce in Taiwan, led by Vice Chairman Rahil Ansari and CEO Freddie Höglund, met with Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Lee Ching-Hua to discuss key issues regarding mobility, offshore wind energy, tax procedures and airport upgrades and tax drawbacks for re-exports for luxury goods. Notably, the Wind Energy committee of the ECCT pushed for offshore wind financing support.
The WTO case by the EU against China over alleged trade restrictions on Lithuania-Taiwan relations may end without a result, as proving harm is difficult, says PM Paluckas. The case was suspended in January, and if not resumed, it will be dropped. Lithuania’s economy remains largely unaffected as trade has recovered.
Japan - EU
Japan signed the Council of Europe's Framework Convention on AI and Human Rights, the first legally binding international AI treaty. Initially adopted by 46 member states, the treaty now has 13 signatories, including the U.S. and the EU. Japan’s Parliamentary Vice Foreign Minister Hisashi Matsumoto emphasized Japan’s commitment to human rights, democracy, and the rule of law, expressing confidence that the treaty and Japan’s Hiroshima AI Process will shape global AI governance.
The 26th EU-Japan Business Round Table Annual Meeting took place on February 12th, featuring opening remarks from Japanese and EU authorities and panel discussions on Economic Security (cybersecurity, supply chains, export controls) and Industrial Competitiveness (digital and green transformation, investment, SMEs). The meeting also covered the BRT’s 2025 recommendations and future priorities. Key suggestions included strengthening a rules-based international order, improving global governance, enhancing supply chain resilience, increasing investment in human resources, green technologies, and digital technologies and promoting strategic industries, such as life sciences and semiconductors
A meeting was held between the New Secretary General of the European External Action Service Martinez Carbonnell and the Head of the Japan Mission in the EU to discuss EU-Japan ties.
Opinion articles
“Taiwan expands semiconductor ties in Central Europe" published on TechInAsia
"Funding Radar: Japan research funding in cooperation with the EU" by Eleonora Francica, published on Science Business
"China is creating a new normal for its neighbors, one close call at a time" by Patrick Zoll, published on NZZ
“Frank Bosenberg on EU-Taiwan Semiconductor Relations: Challenges and Opportunities”, interview by Guido Gargiulo, published on Geopolitica.info
That’s all for this week!
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