On February 20, Ambassador Roy Chun Lee was invited by the EU-Asia Society to give a speech at the College of Europe.
Invited at the behest of the student-run EU-Asia Society, the Ambassador used the opportunity to underline the importance of the relationship between the EU, Taiwan and the Indo-Pacific.
Ambassador Lee introduced his speech by examining the impact of the recent thaw in U.S.-Russia relations on the EU and Ukraine. He hoped that attending students would gain a clear understanding of President Trump’s “flood the zone” strategy, encouraging them to read from a variety of news sources to balance different perspectives. He emphasized the unpredictability and operational shifts in current U.S. foreign policy, noting that EU Member States and Ukraine are experiencing heightened uncertainty. The future trajectory of international relations remains unclear and requires ongoing attention, he added.
Then, he explained the economic and trade relations between Taiwan and the U.S., as well as Taiwan's importance to the EU, highlighting its role as a key player in global supply chains and a staunch defender of shared democratic values.
In his remarks, the Ambassador noted that Taiwan and the EU both prioritize free trade, the security of critical supply chains, and strategic autonomy, presenting opportunities for increased cooperation in the future. The EU has direct and long-term interests in maintaining stability and peace in the Taiwan Strait, he said, before adding that establishing lasting relations and deepening cooperation with Taiwan is a future trend.
Ambassador Lee also encouraged the students to engage with Taiwan and deepen their understanding of the country, not only through studying or travelling in Taiwan but also through cross-cultural exchanges.
The speech was very well-received by the student audience, with the Ambassador’s remarks sparking lively a discussion and Q&A session.
The College of Europe was established in 1949 by the founding fathers of the EU, along with prominent European leaders such as former British Prime Minister Winston Churchill and former Belgian Prime Minister Paul-Henri Spaak. It was founded in line with the objectives of the 1948 Congress of Europe, which aimed to promote a spirit of unity and mutual understanding among Western European nations. The College trains young European administrative professionals and prepares them for careers in European integration by offering master's programs in European politics, economics, diplomacy, and international relations.
The EU-Asia Society was established in September 2022 to provide a platform for students interested in political, economic, and social relations between the EU and the Asia-Pacific region. Its mission is to educate and raise awareness about EU-Asia relations while fostering social and cultural exchanges. The society aims to build a strong network and create professional networking opportunities.
