Taipei: The European Chamber of Commerce Taiwan (ECCT) on Tuesday urged Taiwan to secure a stable and sustainable energy supply to help its semiconductor and AI industries maintain competitiveness. Speaking at the chamber's 2026 Europe Day Dinner in Taipei, ECCT Chairperson Tina Graves emphasized Taiwan's pivotal role in global semiconductor supply chains and the increasing importance of reliable electricity supply.
According to Focus Taiwan, Graves highlighted the critical need for a stable and sustainable energy supply for Taiwan to maintain its competitive edge in the AI industry. The event, attended by over 800 guests, including President Lai Ching-te, government officials, and business leaders, commemorated Europe Day and the 1950 Schuman Declaration, which laid the foundation for the European Union.
Graves pointed out that the ongoing war in the Middle East has underscored the risks faced by economies heavily reliant on imported energy. She advocated for locally sourced renewables such as wind, solar, and geothermal power as the optimal path to achieving energy security. Graves mentioned significant investments by European companies in Taiwan's renewable energy sector and expressed the ECCT members' readiness to support the government's net-zero transition goals.
Furthermore, Graves urged the government to consider additional ECCT recommendations for offshore wind development and renewable energy permits. She stated that these measures would accelerate the energy transition, grounded in trust and accountability. The ECCT represents over 450 European companies and organizations with investments and operations in Taiwan.
On the transportation front, Graves called for Taiwan to expedite electric vehicle adoption through tax incentives, subsidies, and clearer charging safety regulations. She warned against continued tax support for internal combustion engine vehicles, which could send mixed signals about Taiwan's energy transition goals.
In his remarks, President Lai Ching-te noted the deepened economic and trade ties between Taiwan and Europe, based on shared democratic values. He highlighted that Taiwan's investment in EU member states surged by 650 percent over the past decade, emphasizing the importance of peace, solidarity, and mutual responsibility.