Taiwan's Ministry of Culture and Ministry of Foreign Affairs have launched a series of arts and cultural events across Europe [1].
The "Taiwan Culture in Europe" initiative serves as a diplomatic tool to promote Taiwanese culture abroad. By showcasing the arts, the government aims to demonstrate Taiwan's commitment to cultural exchange and human-rights values [3].
The program was first announced in a press release on Sept. 22, 2025 [4]. Further plans for the initiative were outlined on May 2, 2026 [5]. Led by Minister of Culture Li Yuan, the project coordinates efforts between the Ministry of Culture and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to increase the island's visibility in the West [1, 2].
Organizers have scheduled more than 70 events as part of the showcase [1]. While early outlines from May 2, 2026, indicated the program would reach more than 10 European countries [3], more recent reporting indicates the scope has expanded to 26 European countries [2].
The initiative utilizes a variety of arts and cultural presentations to bridge the gap between Taiwanese creators and European audiences. This broad outreach is designed to foster deeper international ties through shared artistic expression, a strategy that leverages soft power to strengthen diplomatic presence in regions where formal political ties may be limited [2, 3].
“The program features over 70 events across European countries.”
This initiative represents a strategic shift toward 'soft power' diplomacy. By embedding its cultural identity within 26 European nations, Taiwan is attempting to build grassroots recognition and political goodwill. This approach allows the government to maintain international relevance and advocate for its values in a global arena where formal diplomatic recognition is often constrained by geopolitical pressures.
