Title: Momentum and Challenges in Taiwan-EU Relations: An Interview with Zsuzsa Anna Ferenczy

---

REPORTER:  

Earlier this week, Nikkei Asia reported that Taiwan has faced a two-year delay in setting up a representative office in Estonia. What do you think this says about the state of Taiwan EU relations?

Zsuzsa Anna Ferenczy (VISITING FELLOW, MARTENS CENTRE):  

I think it tells us that EU Taiwan relations are seeing a momentum, uh, that we've seen in the past few years and the fact that, uh, there is, um, an upholding factor which concerns the name should not let this momentum stall. However, I think it's important that Taiwan gives it the right importance. And both sides treat this issue with the level of, um, commitment that is required in order to move this relationship forward. So opening the office is a priority. Being stuck on the name, it stands in its way.

REPORTER:  

Generally speaking, how important are these offices to how Taiwan manages its relationship with EU countries?

Zsuzsa Anna Ferenczy (VISITING FELLOW, MARTENS CENTRE):  

It is important for Taiwan to increase its visibility across the EU. We've seen in the past few years this visibility grow and there's more understanding of Taiwan and Taiwan's importance to the EU and its interest in the Indo-Pacific. However, there's a lot more that needs to be done to bring Taiwan closer to the EU. So this hangs on what the government does and its offices, Taipei offices do in different member states. But I think this needs to continue at the level of academia, civil society, bottom up, top down. It is important to have these offices function as a representation of what Taiwan stands for and what its people can bring to contribute to Europe's prosperity and security.

REPORTER:  

Germany and China’s respective foreign ministers held a phone call earlier this week. In China's readout of the call, it says that it asked the German side to oppose so-called Taiwanese independence. While we haven't seen Germany's readout of the call yet, do you have any insight as to how EU countries see cross-strait dynamics?

Zsuzsa Anna Ferenczy (VISITING FELLOW, MARTENS CENTRE):  

we see that it's going to be a difficult process because member states diverge on the kind of relationship they want to have with China. But I think they do converge that this relationship needs balance. I think there's also divergence between member states, um, on what Taiwan's role should be in this relationship. Um, I think Taiwan's status and Taiwan's relationship with China is not up for conversation or discussion with the EU. It's not for the EU to decide on the future of Cross-Strait relations, but it is up to the EU to commit to upholding, uh, rule of law and, um, peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait and in the Indo Pacific. Every single member states need to feel that they have a seat at this table.

---

That was Zsuzsa Anna Ferenczy from the Martens Centre.