JET Newsletter - June 27th
A weekly summary of bilateral EU-Taiwan and EU-Japan relations.
Taiwan - EU
Taiwan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs welcomed EU and Canada support for peace in the Taiwan Strait, following their June 23 summit in Brussels. The joint statement emphasized the importance of cross-strait stability as part of broader Indo-Pacific and global security. Taiwan praised the move as part of a growing international consensus and reaffirmed its commitment to working with partners to uphold a rules-based international order in the region.
Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung reaffirmed Taiwan’s commitment to cultural diplomacy in the EU during a June 19 event in Taipei with European journalists. Highlighting the musical “Zeelandia,” Lin promoted the Taiwan Culture in Europe 2025 initiative, which will feature exhibitions and events in countries like France and Czechia. The campaign emphasizes Taiwan’s blend of technology and culture, aiming to deepen ties with European democracies and promote shared values of freedom, openness, and inclusivity.
Taiwan Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim urged stronger democratic cooperation with Europe, as regional tension with China increases. In an NRK interview, she emphasized Taiwan’s defense, technology partnerships, and democratic values, calling for global unity against disinformation and stressing Taiwan’s strategic role in global trade and security.
Lutz Güllner, Head of the European Economic and Trade Office, met with Taiwan’s Culture Minister Li Yuan to discuss deepening cultural cooperation. Li highlighted the upcoming “2025 Taiwan Cultural Year in Europe” initiative, aiming to showcase Taiwan’s arts across Europe. Güllner welcomed Taiwanese performers and affirmed EETO’s support in promoting mutual understanding and people-to-people ties through cultural exchange.
In a tweet MEP Tomáš Zdechovský warned of hybrid threats from China—cyberattacks, disinformation, and pressure to silence Taiwan support. He also stated that he plans to join the EUDS mission to Taiwan and urged stronger tools, unity, and action.
Japan - EU
Japan is currently opposing the EU’s potential proposal to regulate trade in all eel species under CITES. The Japanese government argues the Japanese eel isn’t threatened by international trade and plans to work with China and South Korea to block the measure at the treaty meeting in late 2025.
Japan and the EU donated N$32 million (1.5 million euros) to support Namibia’s drought relief efforts. The EU’s N$24.9 million grant will aid over 86,000 children with health, nutrition, and protection services, while Japan’s N$8.1 million contribution targets over 48,000 people. Prime Minister Ngurare praised the aid as a timely boost and highlighted strong collaboration with UNICEF to ensure effective delivery to vulnerable communities.
At the 6th EU-Japan Civil Society Dialogue in Brussels, participants explored how trade can drive sustainability and fairness. Topics included green shipping corridors, labour rights and ILO standards, corporate due diligence, and the EU-Japan Green Alliance. Civil society and government officials engaged in rich discussions on climate, labour, and cross-cutting trade challenges.
Articles, reports and insights
“Europe, Taiwan amid global chaos” by Simona A. Grano and Zsuzsa A. Ferenczy, published on the Taipei Times
"Japan’s economic security strategy looks beyond the United States” by Silvia Menegazzi, published on East Asia Forum
“The Most Important US Roles on Taiwan Don’t Require Senate Confirmation” by Bruce C. Barros, published on The Diplomat
That’s all for this week!
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