European Union Centre at National Sun Yat-sen University | Taiwan–Europe Weekly Update
From Taiwan–Spain Exchanges to Study in France: This Week in Taiwan–Europe Relations
23 October 2026 · Pilot issue
Coverage: 17–23 October 2026 (Taiwan time, as of editorial verification)
This issue brings together recent developments involving Taiwan, the European Union and its member states in diplomacy, business and education, with a supplementary item on the United Kingdom. Items were selected based on their announcement or event dates within the coverage period. Upcoming events are identified separately, and publication dates are distinguished from event dates.
At a glance
The pilot issue covers Taiwan–Spain diplomatic exchanges, Tainan businesses at a Paris food trade fair, and recent announcements concerning a Taiwan–EU forum and the European Education Fair. Campus highlights include a visit by students and faculty from the University of Warsaw and an NSYSU student’s account of studying in France. A visit to Taiwan by legislators from the United Kingdom rounds out this issue’s coverage of European countries outside the EU. Each item provides dates and a source link.
Politics and public engagement
Taiwan–Spain exchanges: Building cooperation through cultural ties
Published: 17 October | Event: 16 October | Spain · EU member state
Taiwan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs reported that Deputy Minister Wu Chih-chung attended a Spanish National Day reception in Keelung. Speakers noted historical and cultural links between Taiwan and Spain and expressed interest in closer cooperation on trade, investment, technology, education and culture. This item is included because the official release appeared during the coverage period; the reception itself took place one day earlier.
Source: Ministry of Foreign Affairs, 17 October release (Chinese)
Business and industry
Tainan agricultural products reach a Paris food trade fair
Reported: 20 October | Fair: 17–21 October | France · EU member state
According to the Central News Agency, the Tainan City Government established a Tainan pavilion at the Paris food trade fair for the first time. Participating businesses showcased agricultural and processed-food products and sought connections with European buyers and distributors. The initiative illustrates a joint effort by local government and food businesses to enter European markets. The report did not provide a confirmed sales figure.
Source: Central News Agency, 20 October report (Chinese)
Academia and education | Announcements and upcoming events
Taiwan–EU Forum to discuss economic security, border governance and European integration
Announced: 19 October | Upcoming event: 30 October
The National Central Library announced the fifth Taiwan–EU Forum, titled “The Future of Economic Security, Border Governance and European Integration.” The organizers include the National Central Library, the European Union Centre in Taiwan, the NTU EU Centre of Excellence and relevant research centres at National Chengchi University. The forum is scheduled for 10:00–12:00 in Room 301 of the library’s Arts and Culture Centre, with registration beginning at 09:40. Registration details are available in the original announcement.
Source: National Central Library, 19 October announcement (Chinese)
European Education Fair: Check typhoon updates before travelling
Announced: 21 October | Upcoming Taipei fair: 24–25 October
The European Education Fair committee issued contingency information: if the Taipei City Government announces a work and school closure for 24 October, the fair on that day will be cancelled. In that notice, the 25 October session remained scheduled to proceed. Arrangements may change; visitors should check the organizer’s latest announcements before setting out.
Sources: European Education Fair, 21 October notice (Chinese); organizer’s website
European connections on the NSYSU campus
Meet Warsaw: Polish students and faculty visit NSYSU
Event: 21 October | Poland · EU member state
Students and faculty from the University of Warsaw’s Faculty of Political Science and International Studies visited NSYSU on 21 October for an in-person exchange with students. The event was jointly organized by NSYSU’s Department of Political Economy and EU Centre. This account draws on the Centre’s advance notice and its subsequent confirmation that the visit took place.
Event notice: NSYSU EU Centre Facebook page (advance notice; occurrence confirmed by the Centre)
An NSYSU student in Europe: Rediscovering herself in Bordeaux
Published by the Centre: 19 October | France · EU member state
This week the NSYSU EU Centre published an account by Chang Hsin-tzu of the International Business MBA programme about studying in France. Beginning with the challenge of delayed luggage on arrival in Bordeaux, she reflects on everyday life, solo travel and cross-cultural classroom teamwork, and on how her dual-degree experience reshaped her outlook. This item concerns an account published this week; it does not suggest that the study trip occurred during the coverage period.
Further reading: Her account on the Centre’s website (Chinese)
Elsewhere in Europe | Non-EU country
UK regional legislators visit Taiwan for exchanges on technology and local cooperation
Published: 21 October | Luncheon exchange: 19 October | United Kingdom · non-EU country
According to Taiwan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Deputy Minister Wu Chih-chung hosted an eight-member delegation led by a Scottish Parliament member, with participants from the Scottish Parliament and the Northern Ireland Assembly. Discussions covered Taiwan–UK trade, technology and engagement between regional legislatures, as well as energy and higher-education cooperation.
Source: Ministry of Foreign Affairs, 21 October release (Chinese)
