Legislative Yuan Vice President Johnny C. Chiang receives eleven-member delegation from the European Valued Important Partnership (EVIP); Vice President Chiang: We look forward to deepening the Taiwan-Europe friendship with the new generation.
At 2 p.m. on October 8, Vice President Dr. Johnny C. Chiang (江啟臣) of the Legislative Yuan, accompanied by KMT Legislator Dr. Ko Ju-Chun, DPP Legislator Ngalim Tiunn, TPP Legislator Lin Yi-Chun, and Deputy Secretary-General Josephine Lee of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ Department of European Affairs, received an eleven-member delegation from the European Valued Important Partnership (EVIP) led by Mayor Matteo Amori of Sutri, Italy.
On behalf of the Legislative Yuan, Vice President Chiang opened the meeting by extending a sincere welcome to the young political leaders from multiple European countries. He stated that the Legislative Yuan places great importance on exchanging ideas with parliaments and the younger generation of politicians from European countries. As the visit took place on the eve of Taiwan’s National Day, he added, it was of great symbolic significance. Vice President Chiang also cordially invited the guests to witness the vibrancy of Taiwan’s democracy.
He further noted that in September, he led a Legislative Yuan delegation to Ireland, the UK, the Netherlands, and the Czech Republic. The delegation met with Deputy Speaker John McGuinness of the Dáil Éireann (House of Representatives), Deputy Speaker Lord Faulkner of Worcester of the UK House of Lords, Czech Republic Senate First Vice-President Jiří Drahoš, and Deputy Speaker Jan Bartošek of the Czech Chamber of Deputies, and also held discussions with several members of the Dutch Parliament. Vice President Chiang noted that this was his fourth time leading a delegation to visit Europe since last year, clearly demonstrating the Legislative Yuan’s proactive effort in promoting parliamentary diplomacy and reflecting the increasingly close ties between Taiwan and Europe. He stated that Taiwan and Europe not only have frequent engagement at the parliamentary level but also at the civic level. The two sides are highly complementary in culture, education, technology, economy and trade, as well as the arts, while sharing core values such as freedom, democracy, human rights, and the rule of law. These form the crucial foundation for deepening bilateral cooperation. Vice President Chiang commended the vision and initiative of Europe’s young political leaders, expressing hope for continued exchanges between Taiwan and Europe in the future. He also wished the delegation a rewarding visit and an in-depth experience of Taiwan’s open and democratic spirit.
In his remarks, Mayor Amori stated that the visit represents Europe’s steadfast commitment to Taiwan and demonstrates both sides’ resolve to strengthen cooperation. As the world faces severe challenges such as economic and social upheaval, he said, only sustained dialogue and partnership can help address the shared concerns. He noted that having witnessed firsthand Taiwan’s extraordinary achievements in technology, democracy, and human rights, he firmly believes that Taiwan’s prosperity and cultural vitality will continue to contribute to peace and stability in the region. Mayor Amori further shared his cultural background from Sutri, Italy, noting its rich history and profound heritage as a symbol of Europe's cultural roots and identity. He stressed his hope that cultural exchanges would serve as bridges to foster closer interactions and deeper mutual understanding between Taiwan and Europe. He also looked forward to more opportunities for cooperation in the future.
Legislator Ko stated that he has long focused on emerging technologies such as computer science, artificial intelligence (AI), and blockchain, and has been dedicated to promoting legislation of AI in Taiwan. While Taiwan holds a global leading position in chip and semiconductor manufacturing, its AI policy is still at an early stage. Legislator Ko hoped to draw on the EU’s AI Act and the experiences of other countries to accelerate the establishment of a legal framework. He emphasized that Taiwan should join hands with Europe in areas such as AI, cybersecurity, energy, and space technology to foster exchanges in talent and policy, and pointed out that technology should serve humanity and be integrated with culture. He hoped Taiwan can become a socially resilient nation contributing to regional peace while balancing innovation and the humanities.
Legislator Tiunn expressed hope that the delegation would gain valuable insights from this trip and continue advancing exchanges and cooperation between Taiwan and Europe after their return. She noted that she has spent nearly a decade working in non-governmental organizations and has long focused on children and youth rights, as well as youth participation in public affairs. She added that as a legislator, she focuses on issues related to education, culture, sports, transitional justice, and climate change. Legislator Tiunn pointed out that the infiltration of disinformation has become increasingly severe. Taiwan not only faces the threat of China's information warfare but has also observed interference from Russia. She called for strengthened cooperation and the sharing of experience between Taiwan and Europe to jointly safeguard democratic resilience.
Legislator Lin noted that although Taiwan and Europe are geographically distant, they are closely connected through economic ties and shared values. She added that both sides share a steadfast commitment to the universal values of democracy, freedom, human rights, and the rule of law. She thanked countries across Europe for their long-standing support for Taiwan’s participation in international organizations and multilateral cooperation, which has deeply moved the people of Taiwan. Legislator Lin emphasized that youth are a vital force for changing the world. She stated that young European political leaders engage in public affairs with innovative thinking and passionate action, becoming a key driving force for political reform in Europe and the development of democracy worldwide. She hoped that the visit will strengthen the exchange and friendship between the new generation of political leaders in Europe and Taiwan, enabling them to work together for global democracy, peace, and prosperity.
Afterwards, both sides engaged in extensive discussions on a wide range of topics including information warfare, nuclear energy policies, and the legislation of AI. The meeting lasted approximately one hour in a warm and lively atmosphere, and concluded with an exchange of commemorative gifts and a group photo.
On behalf of the Legislative Yuan, Vice President Chiang opened the meeting by extending a sincere welcome to the young political leaders from multiple European countries. He stated that the Legislative Yuan places great importance on exchanging ideas with parliaments and the younger generation of politicians from European countries. As the visit took place on the eve of Taiwan’s National Day, he added, it was of great symbolic significance. Vice President Chiang also cordially invited the guests to witness the vibrancy of Taiwan’s democracy.
He further noted that in September, he led a Legislative Yuan delegation to Ireland, the UK, the Netherlands, and the Czech Republic. The delegation met with Deputy Speaker John McGuinness of the Dáil Éireann (House of Representatives), Deputy Speaker Lord Faulkner of Worcester of the UK House of Lords, Czech Republic Senate First Vice-President Jiří Drahoš, and Deputy Speaker Jan Bartošek of the Czech Chamber of Deputies, and also held discussions with several members of the Dutch Parliament. Vice President Chiang noted that this was his fourth time leading a delegation to visit Europe since last year, clearly demonstrating the Legislative Yuan’s proactive effort in promoting parliamentary diplomacy and reflecting the increasingly close ties between Taiwan and Europe. He stated that Taiwan and Europe not only have frequent engagement at the parliamentary level but also at the civic level. The two sides are highly complementary in culture, education, technology, economy and trade, as well as the arts, while sharing core values such as freedom, democracy, human rights, and the rule of law. These form the crucial foundation for deepening bilateral cooperation. Vice President Chiang commended the vision and initiative of Europe’s young political leaders, expressing hope for continued exchanges between Taiwan and Europe in the future. He also wished the delegation a rewarding visit and an in-depth experience of Taiwan’s open and democratic spirit.
In his remarks, Mayor Amori stated that the visit represents Europe’s steadfast commitment to Taiwan and demonstrates both sides’ resolve to strengthen cooperation. As the world faces severe challenges such as economic and social upheaval, he said, only sustained dialogue and partnership can help address the shared concerns. He noted that having witnessed firsthand Taiwan’s extraordinary achievements in technology, democracy, and human rights, he firmly believes that Taiwan’s prosperity and cultural vitality will continue to contribute to peace and stability in the region. Mayor Amori further shared his cultural background from Sutri, Italy, noting its rich history and profound heritage as a symbol of Europe's cultural roots and identity. He stressed his hope that cultural exchanges would serve as bridges to foster closer interactions and deeper mutual understanding between Taiwan and Europe. He also looked forward to more opportunities for cooperation in the future.
Legislator Ko stated that he has long focused on emerging technologies such as computer science, artificial intelligence (AI), and blockchain, and has been dedicated to promoting legislation of AI in Taiwan. While Taiwan holds a global leading position in chip and semiconductor manufacturing, its AI policy is still at an early stage. Legislator Ko hoped to draw on the EU’s AI Act and the experiences of other countries to accelerate the establishment of a legal framework. He emphasized that Taiwan should join hands with Europe in areas such as AI, cybersecurity, energy, and space technology to foster exchanges in talent and policy, and pointed out that technology should serve humanity and be integrated with culture. He hoped Taiwan can become a socially resilient nation contributing to regional peace while balancing innovation and the humanities.
Legislator Tiunn expressed hope that the delegation would gain valuable insights from this trip and continue advancing exchanges and cooperation between Taiwan and Europe after their return. She noted that she has spent nearly a decade working in non-governmental organizations and has long focused on children and youth rights, as well as youth participation in public affairs. She added that as a legislator, she focuses on issues related to education, culture, sports, transitional justice, and climate change. Legislator Tiunn pointed out that the infiltration of disinformation has become increasingly severe. Taiwan not only faces the threat of China's information warfare but has also observed interference from Russia. She called for strengthened cooperation and the sharing of experience between Taiwan and Europe to jointly safeguard democratic resilience.
Legislator Lin noted that although Taiwan and Europe are geographically distant, they are closely connected through economic ties and shared values. She added that both sides share a steadfast commitment to the universal values of democracy, freedom, human rights, and the rule of law. She thanked countries across Europe for their long-standing support for Taiwan’s participation in international organizations and multilateral cooperation, which has deeply moved the people of Taiwan. Legislator Lin emphasized that youth are a vital force for changing the world. She stated that young European political leaders engage in public affairs with innovative thinking and passionate action, becoming a key driving force for political reform in Europe and the development of democracy worldwide. She hoped that the visit will strengthen the exchange and friendship between the new generation of political leaders in Europe and Taiwan, enabling them to work together for global democracy, peace, and prosperity.
Afterwards, both sides engaged in extensive discussions on a wide range of topics including information warfare, nuclear energy policies, and the legislation of AI. The meeting lasted approximately one hour in a warm and lively atmosphere, and concluded with an exchange of commemorative gifts and a group photo.