The Formosa Club

Just returned from Taipei, where I had the honour to serve as interim Chair of this year’s @_TheFormosaClub Annual Conference - an interparliamentary format bringing together legislators from Europe, Canada, and other democratic partners in support of Taiwan’s international engagement. During the visit, I met with President @ChingteLai, Vice President @bikhim, Foreign Minister @MOFA_Taiwan @chia_lung, and the Speaker of the Legislative Yuan Han Kuo-yu. These were direct and constructive conversations, focused on regional security, global connectivity, and how democracies can work together in an increasingly contested world. Taiwan is the EU’s 13th largest trading partner. Trade, supply chain security, and access to global markets remain central to Europe’s economic and political stability. This is not just about volumes - it’s about resilience and reliability in a time of rising disruption. Much of our discussion focused on the risks to global trade routes and supply lines - from grey zone tactics to sabotage of critical infrastructure. One area of particular concern is undersea cables, which enable nearly all cross-border digital activity. We are past the point of pretending these incidents are coincidental. There is a clear need to work toward a framework to respond to cable sabotage and damage - because what’s at stake isn’t just connectivity, but the economic security of entire regions. Since its creation in 2019, the Formosa Club has become a relevant platform for parliamentary diplomacy - not just expressing solidarity with Taiwan, but engaging on real issues: trade, regional stability, hybrid threats, and defending rules-based order through coordinated engagement. Credit to @gahler_michael, who has chaired the Club since its founding and was instrumental in shaping this year’s statement. This time, he handed over the role of hosting the annual conference, but remained fully engaged in the work and outcomes. The Club format should be regularised, strengthened, and expanded. Parliamentarians have a role to play as part of shaping policy from the outset. Thanks to our Taiwanese hosts for their professionalism and hospitality. Looking forward to continuing the work.

Deeply appreciate the insights from delegates to @_TheFormosaClub Annual Conference & #Taiwan-#Europe Undersea Cables Security & Cooperation Forum. Let's keep working together to align tech progress with our shared democratic values & help ensure critical infrastructure security.

Taiwan’s continued exclusion from @WHO is not only unjust but contradictory to the organisation’s mission. We call on the WHO to take the Taiwanese people’s right to health seriously and make full use of Taiwan’s experience to promote global health. #WHOforTW #ObserverStatus

China repeatedly violates agreements on flight routes near #Taiwan. This endangers stability in the region and puts flight safety around #Taiwan at risk. Together with 27 MEPs, I have called on @icao to take immediate action. ⬇️