Formosa Club was launched on October 16 2019, bringing together Taiwan Friendship Groups from European Parliament, France, Germany and UK. The club is named after the original Portuguese name for Taiwan – “Ilha Formosa” – the beautiful island. Kelly Wu-Chiao HSIEH, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs for Republic of China (Taiwan) expressed his appreciation for the support Taiwan continues to receive, while kind words from EP-Taiwan Friendship Group Chair Michael GAHLER (MEP), Germany-Taiwan Parliamentary Friendship Group Chair Klaus-Peter WILLSCH (Member of the Bundestag), National Assembly France-Taiwan Friendship Group Chair Jean-François CESARINI (Member of the National Assembly), French Senate's Taiwan Friendship Group Chair Alain RICHARD (Senator), and Honorary President of the British-Taiwanese All-Party Parliamentary Group at the UK’s House of Lords Lord STEEL of Aikwood, were a powerful reminder that Taiwan has many friends in parliaments and legislatures across the continent.
Core group members later released a joint statement reiterating the aims of Formosa Club. Around 100 people attended the launch party, among them MEPs, national parliamentarians, senators and officials.
Taiwan and the EU share common values such as freedom, democracy, human rights and the rule of law. It is hoped that the pan-European friendship group Formosa Club can play a core role in strengthening Taiwan’s relationships not only within Europe, but in the wider international community too.
