TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Taiwan is emerging as Europe's strategic partner for technological independence in unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), with officials and professionals revealing how the island's semiconductor expertise and manufacturing flexibility are positioning it as a critical supplier amid escalating supply chain security concerns. The breakthrough came to light during Wednesday's (Oct. 22) "2025 EU–Taiwan Forum on Environment and Science: Drone Technology & Export" (台歐盟無人機科技及出口論壇), where European policymakers were openly recognizing Taiwan's potential role in achieving "tech sovereignty" through structured regulatory partnerships that transcend traditional cost-based procurement decisions.
Key Taiwanese officials participated alongside European decision-makers, including Deputy Minister Lin Kuo-hsien (林國顯) from the Ministry of Transportation and Communications (交通部) and Magistrate Weng Chang-liang (翁章梁) from Chiayi County Government, joining Lutz Güllner from the European Economic Trade Office (歐洲經貿辦事處), as well as Jukka Savo from the European Commission's transportation directorate, and Dr. Tomasz Husak from the defense and space division, both of whom participated online. This high-level participation could signal Europe's strategic positioning toward Taiwan manufacturers as trusted technology suppliers amid escalating supply chain security concerns.
The forum took place at the Taipei International Convention Center (台北國際會議中心), bringing together Taiwan's drone manufacturers who confront substantial regulatory barriers in European markets, according to industry certification experts. Marcel Visser, a senior UAS professional at TÜV Rheinland, a German technical certification company, identified compliance as the critical obstacle. "(Taiwan's) Biggest hurdle is definitely to be compliant with the requirements in Europe," Visser said. "So, that's the strongest recommendation."
The forum's timing coincides with Europe's implementation of "EU Drone Strategy 2.0" (歐盟無人機策略2.0) and the U-Space framework, creating structured pathways for international manufacturers. Both regions now prioritize technological independence over cost-based supply chain decisions, fundamentally reshaping opportunities for strategic partnerships between European buyers and Taiwan's advanced manufacturing sector.
European Officials Signal Strategic Commitment
Jukka Savo from the European Commission's DG MOVE presented "Building a Safe and Connected Skies: EU Drone Strategy 2.0 and U-Space Implementation," outlining 19 flagship initiatives through 2030 to build a unified European drone market — including establishment of an Innovative Air Mobility Hub, European drone registry, and Trusted Drone Label, while also developing a joint testing network for civilian and defense drones. This represents a marked departure from Europe's traditional approach to Asian technology partnerships, reflecting explicit recognition of Taiwan's distinctive manufacturing capabilities and strategic value in the unmanned aircraft sector.
Dr. Tomasz Husak of DG DEFIS presented on "EU Space Programme (歐盟太空計畫) and the Future of EU-Taiwan UAV Industry Cooperation," providing insights into the EU's space programs and future cooperation with Taiwan. The integration of defense considerations into commercial drone discussions reveals how European policymakers increasingly view Taiwan's role in critical security technologies beyond traditional manufacturing partnerships.
Visser emphasized Taiwan's competitive strengths in the rapidly evolving drone sector. "They are very strong and also very flexible. And today's electronics, the sensors and also the connectivity, this will leverage exactly that is required to integrate into the drone environment," he explained. His assessment reflects broader industry recognition of Taiwan's established electronics manufacturing advantages.
Security Cooperation Drives Partnership
European security experts increasingly view Taiwan as essential for achieving technological independence from unreliable suppliers. Marcin M. Jerzewski, who heads the European Values Center for Security Policy's Taiwan Office, articulated this strategic imperative during forum discussions. The discussion was co-hosted by the European Values Center for Security Policy and the EU Centre at National Chengchi University, featuring government and industry representatives discussing policy alignment and transnational partnerships. His analysis reflects mounting European concerns about supply chain vulnerabilities and the urgent need for dependable technology partnerships.
"It is definitely an important partner for Europe to achieve its strategic autonomy, and that includes tech sovereignty as well," Jerzewski stated. This assessment signals a fundamental shift in how European policymakers evaluate Taiwan's strategic role in securing dependable technology supply chains beyond traditional commercial relationships.
Ivan Hsieh, Vice General Manager of TÜV Rheinland's Electrical Services, stated: "For Taiwan's drone industry, the first step in entering the EU market is ensuring compliance with both CE marking safety standards and EU type examination for flight safety." He added that civil unmanned aircraft (UAS) manufacturers aiming to operate or sell in Europe must demonstrate compliance in product design, manufacturing, and operation with EU regulations and safety standards. TÜV Rheinland, with over 150 years of product conformity experience, was designated by the German Federal Aviation Office (Luftfahrt-Bundesamt, LBA) in 2022 as an EU Notified Body under Delegated Regulation (EU) 2019/945 to conduct type examinations for open-category drones - helping Taiwanese manufacturers align with EU standards and establish a solid foundation for market expansion.
Jerzewski characterized the partnership's foundation as "regulatory connectivity." "Taiwan has a lot to collaborate with the EU on in terms of so-called regulatory connectivity," he explained. "The European Union brings its experience in creating norms for development of high-end manufacturing outputs such as UAS, such as UAVs." This framework enables Taiwan to access European standards while contributing advanced manufacturing expertise.
Structured Pathways to Enter European Markets
The U-Space initiative creates structured pathways for Taiwanese manufacturers to enter European markets systematically. This comprehensive framework establishes operational safety standards and market protocols that will govern drone integration across all EU member states. For Taiwan's manufacturers, U-Space represents unprecedented access to regulated European airspace and commercial opportunities. Savo highlighted that the EU seeks to deepen collaboration with partners like Taiwan to strengthen supply chain resilience and harmonize international standards.
"With respect to the U-Space, we have now this EU drone strategy 2.0 that provides a comprehensive perspective on the market, and also the regulation," Visser noted during technical sessions. His commentary illustrates how European policy innovation directly translates into tangible market opportunities for Taiwan's drone industry.
Taiwan's government has developed strategic plans for global drone leadership, presented by Dr. Max Lo, Chairman of Taiwan National Drone Industry Association (台灣無人機產業協會), Taiwan's primary industry organization. Lo, who also chairs the Asia UAV Innovation Industrial Alliance, presented "Taiwan Drone Manufacturing Capacity and Strategic Roadmap" (台灣無人機製造能量與產業戰略藍圖) and discussed Taiwan's manufacturing capabilities and future outlook. "Taiwan's drone industry is ready for the global stage," Lo stated. "Our key challenge is no longer production capacity, but certification. This forum marks a milestone as Taiwan enters the era of globally certified UAVs through closer cooperation with trusted international certification partners."
Jerzewski praised Taiwan's systematic approach to drone technology development during forum discussions. "I believe that Taiwan has made very deliberate efforts to become one of the leaders in the production of drone technologies," he said. "What I think is really encouraging is that the government is thinking about drones as a very versatile technology."
The forum was jointly organized by the European Economic and Trade Office (EETO, 歐洲經貿辦事處), EU Centre in Taiwan (台灣歐盟中心), and TÜV Rheinland, and co-hosted by STMicroelectronics and leading drone associations. The Asia UAV AI Innovation and Application R&D Center (亞洲無人機AI創新應用研發中心) in Chiayi County (嘉義縣), southern Taiwan, also participated, following a September four-party MOU signing between the center, Asia UAV Innovation Industrial Alliance, TÜV Rheinland, and STMicroelectronics, demonstrating Taiwan's regional development strategy.
The forum provided practical guidance on European certification processes, covering EU market regulations alongside Taiwan's BSMI (經濟部標檢局), Taiwan's Bureau of Standards, Metrology and Inspection, and CAA (交通部民航局), Taiwan's Civil Aeronautics Administration, requirements. These regulatory clarifications enable Taiwan manufacturers to develop actionable market entry strategies for European drone markets.
The forum coincided with EU Innovation Week 2025, held October 21-23 alongside the Taipei International Electronics Show and AIoT Taiwan. The broader event brings together business leaders and experts from both regions to explore industrial AI, energy transition, smart cities, and intelligent mobility — strengthening bilateral ties in innovation and sustainable growth. The forum underscored the growing partnership between Taiwan and the EU across policy, technology, regulation, and market collaboration — laying the groundwork for standard alignment, supply chain cooperation, and stronger competitiveness for Taiwan's UAVs in Europe and beyond. ◼
