In line with its “One China” policy, the EU does not recognize Taiwan as a sovereign state and therefore has no diplomatic or formal political relations with Taiwan. The EU does, however, support Taiwan’s practical participation in international organizations where this does not require statehood. 

The EU has solid economic and trade relations with Taiwan. Taiwan and the EU have a healthy trade relationship - Taiwan is the EU’s 4th largest trade partner in Asia and the EU is Taiwan’s fourth largest market. 

Regular contacts take place in sectors such as research and technology, information society, education and culture, fisheries, environment, intellectual property rights and standards and norms. Regular EU/Taiwan “consultations” are held in order to ensure coordination and coherence of activities in these fields, the most recent in October 2007 in Taipei.