"Our strategy is based on an inclusive approach, which means that we are committed to cooperate with all partners in the region, including Taiwan, with all partners who share the same objectives with us," Grzegorzewski said during a press briefing Tuesday introducing the new strategy.
Grzegorzewski pointed out that Taiwan's participation rate in the global supply chain is as high as 67.6 percent, making the island particularly important for the EU.
He also revealed that the EETO plans to organize another European Investment Forum in Taiwan this Autumn, with a focus on global supply chains.
The EU's top envoy encouraged more Taiwanese businessmen to invest in Europe, which he said would strengthen Taiwan's role globally.
According to EETO data, the EU was the biggest investor in Taiwan in 2019, accounting for about 25 percent of Taiwan's foreign direct investment. However, only 1.7 percent of Taiwanese investment abroad goes to the EU.
The Council of the European Union adopted the EU strategy for cooperation in the Indo-Pacific on April 19, highlighting the importance the EU places on the region amid rising tensions due to geopolitical rivalries.
Under the strategy, the EU will enhance its cooperation with the Indo-Pacific region in the fields of ocean governance, research and technology, connectivity, health, while also working to strengthen regional organizations, step up cooperation in multilateral forums and reinforce efforts to tackle global challenges such as climate change.
The EU also seeks to enhance security and defense cooperation with the region, such as the protection of critical maritime routes, the organization of more joint exercises and port calls between the region's navies and the EU counter-piracy Naval Force Operation Atalanta.
"We are already quite active on maritime security, and you cannot discuss maritime security here in Taiwan's neighborhood, without taking into account Taiwan," Grzegorzewski said.
On whether the lack of formal relations between EU member states with Taiwan will affect cooperation in areas with sovereignty implications, Grzegorzewski said "I think so."
He noted that the "One China Policy of Europe" remains the EU's basic line, but added that the EU promotes "pragmatic solutions."
Grzegorzewski also denied media reports that said the new EU strategy is aimed at China, saying the EU sees China as a good partner for the strategy.
Meanwhile, at a separate press briefing, Taiwan's Foreign Ministry spokesperson Joanne Ou welcomed the EU strategy for cooperation in the Indo-Pacific.
Taiwan will continue to undertake bilateral and multilateral cooperation with the EU, building on the strong foundation enjoyed by both sides to help establish a free, open, and rules-based order in the Indo-Pacific region, she said.
