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As Europe seeks to diversify supply chains and reduce vulnerabilities in strategically important sectors, Taiwan’s comparative advantages have become increasingly aligned with European interests.
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Taiwan has increasingly been incorporated into European discussions on semiconductor resilience, critical technologies, cybersecurity, digital governance, and Indo-Pacific stability.
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The EU also started to engage with Taiwan through costly commitments. On December 1, 2025, Taiwan and the German manufacturer Merck announced a “Semiconductor Solutions Site” in Taiwan’s Kaohsiung city. Similarly, in July 2023, the ribbon was cut for ASML’s Linkou campus in Taoyuan city. This shows that while geopolitical uncertainty lies ahead, economic ties still manage to form.
Despite the tricky waters both countries find themselves in, the numbers are clear: Taiwan’s Overseas Community Affairs Council (OCAC) announced that between 2016 and 2025, Taiwan investment in the EU amounted to US$13.88 billion, a 650 percent surge compared to just US$1.85 billion between 2006 and 2015.
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As the EU is facing an increasingly challenging conversation with China over a trade deficit that reached 360 billion euro in 2025, Taiwan can stand out as a promising dialogue partner in the matters of technology and economic security. However, figuring out how to make the EU-Taiwan collaboration sustainable is more important than simply pouring in truckloads of investment.
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As Europe is gearing up for multiple economic and technological conflicts in the months to come, Taiwan could become a promising partner for the EU in key areas. It is time for both the EU and Taiwan to use their respective strategic leverage and seize the opportunity.
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EU countries should pursue EU-Taiwan relations in parallel with EU-China relations, not subsequently. Taiwan, on the other hand, has sought to separate its cross-strait relations from its foreign policy since the Tsai Ing-wen presidency (2016-2024), emphasizing establishing international relations despite the cross-strait situation. However, this will only become effective if allies reciprocate the endeavor by showcasing support for Taiwan, disregarding the incrementally mounting pressure from Beijing.
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While what lies ahead seems uncertain for the EU and Taiwan, one thing is for sure: a friend in need is a friend indeed.