Taiwan lawmakers at Brussels forum urge EU cooperation against information warfare and democratic trust

Speaking at the Taiwan-Netherlands 2026 Democracy Forum held in Brussels on the 7th, legislator Shen Pao-yang emphasized that "the true objective of foreign information warfare and disinformation operations is to destroy the foundation of social trust." He pointed out that the current information space has become a vital battlefield for hostile forces to exert influence, and failure to guard against it would inflict profound damage on Taiwan's democratic system. Legislator Shen called on Taiwan and Europe to leverage their respective strengths by deeply integrating Taiwan's frontline, agile civil society resilience with the European Union's robust regulatory framework, thereby jointly building a democratic defense network.

The Taiwan-Netherlands 2026 Democracy Forum is a significant initiative in bilateral relations between Taiwan and the Netherlands, aimed at strengthening exchanges in areas such as democratic governance, the rule of law, and human rights. Held this year in the European capital of Brussels, the forum attracted numerous international political scholars, government officials, and civil society representatives. This event not only highlights Taiwan's democratic image on the international stage but also provides a platform for Taiwan to seek a greater influence in global information governance.

The threat of information warfare and disinformation is no longer confined to traditional media. False information carried by social media platforms can spread rapidly, eroding public trust in governments and the media, and subsequently undermining social cohesion. For Taiwan, such attacks frequently target elections, national defense, and public health issues, attempting to exploit societal divisions to weaken democratic mechanisms. Legislator Shen noted that Taiwan's information security and civic education are at a critical juncture, and ignoring preventive measures would render Taiwan more vulnerable when facing external pressure.

Legislator Shen proposed that Taiwan should draw upon the European Union's extensive experience and regulatory framework in combating disinformation, while combining it with the agility and innovation of Taiwan's civil society. In 2021, the European Union adopted the European Media Freedom Act to regulate platform responsibilities, enhance transparency, and establish transnational cooperation mechanisms. If Taiwan can integrate similar regulations with localized monitoring mechanisms, it will form a more resilient information defense line. This initiative would also bolster Taiwan's voice and influence in international information governance forums.

The insights gained from this forum extend beyond information security, touching upon the resonance of democratic values between Taiwan and Europe. Facing escalating information warfare from mainland China, if Taiwan can establish a solid cooperative network with Europe, it will not only enhance internal governance efficiency but also forge a more robust democratic defense internationally. Looking ahead, Taiwan could consider establishing an inter-departmental information security committee and jointly hosting information literacy workshops with the European Union to fundamentally enhance the public's ability to identify disinformation.

Taiwan's role in global information governance is becoming increasingly important. Legislator Shen's appeal serves as a reminder that democracy is not only the preservation of institutions, but also the maintenance of social trust. Only through international cooperation and internal reform can Taiwan's democratic values and social stability be protected in the information age.