On March 10, 2010, the European Parliament voted overwhelmingly to pass a resolution on the 2008 annual report from the Council to the European Parliament on the main aspects and basic choices of the Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP).
In the resolution, the European Parliament addresses its position on many outstanding global issues, among which it "strongly supports" Taiwan's participation as an observer in relevant international organisations and activities, such as the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) and the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).
In the resolution, the European Parliament states that it "Welcomes the efforts undertaken by both Taipei and Beijing, to improve cross-strait relations, which help to reinforce stability and security in East Asia, and encourages both sides to further enhance dialogue, practical cooperation and confidence-building; commends the Council’s declaration of 8 May 2009, which reiterates its support for Taiwan's participation in the WHO; strongly supports Taiwan's participation as an observer in relevant international organisations and activities, such as ICAO and UNFCCC, where Taiwan's participation is important to the EU and global interests."
The European Parliament is the world’s largest legislative body, representing the voice of 500 million people in the 27 member states of the European Union. The European Parliament’s staunch support as such is much appreciated, especially given that it has been less than six months since we declared our intention to participate in the ICAO and UNFCCC in September 2009.
Since the rapprochement between the two sides of the Taiwan Strait and the implementation of “flexible diplomacy” policy, the European Parliament has on numerous occasions passed resolutions in support of Taiwan. These resolutions do not only affirm our recent development, but also express the European Parliament’s support for our participation in international organisations and activities.
On February 5 and 19, 2009, the European Parliament passed two separate resolutions reiterating its support for Taiwan's observership in relevant multilateral organisations. This latest resolution, supporting Taiwan's participation as an observer in the ICAO and the UNFCCC, demonstrates that our cross-Strait and foreign policies have been broadly welcomed by the EU member states, and reflects the concern for the development of cross-Strait relations and the deep friendship of the people of the European Union.
”In addition to reiterating our heartfelt gratitude to the European Parliament for such support and encouragement, we call on the European Union to continue playing an active and positive role in safeguarding the security and stability of the Asia-Pacific region.
We also look forward to the European Union maintaining its firm stance on the importance of the universal values of democracy and human rights, as well as continuing its support for Taiwan's bid for broader participation in international organisations and activities."
European Union’s support is a key element in creating a positive cycle, which sees the amelioration of cross-Strait relations and Taiwan's growing international participation, further harmoniSing the interests of all sides.