Taipei: A visiting European lawmaker announced on Tuesday that the European Union and Taiwan could collaborate on utilizing drone technologies to enhance the monitoring of undersea cables. Rihards Kols, a Latvian member of the European Parliament, made this suggestion during a press event in Taipei, following an initiative launched by Taiwan's Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung aimed at improving global security for undersea cables.

According to Focus Taiwan, Lin introduced the project, named "RISK," at the "Taiwan-Europe Subsea Cable Security Cooperation Forum." RISK stands for risk mitigation, information sharing, systemic reform, and knowledge building. The event was cohosted by Lin's ministry and the Formosa Club in Europe, of which Kols is a member. Kols emphasized the initiative's potential as a "natural base for cooperation," highlighting areas such as research innovation and the exchange of best practices.

The Formosa Club's visit to Taiwan seeks to explore cooperation between the EU and Taiwan in dual-use technology, including drones for undersea cable security. Kols mentioned the potential for using autonomous technologies for monitoring and detection. He also referenced the "Readiness 2030" strategic defense initiative, proposed by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen in March 2025, which aims to enhance the EU's military capabilities and invites "trusted partners" to engage in core projects and research.

Kols expressed confidence in Taiwan's role, noting its status as the EU's 13th trading partner and a reliable ally. He currently chairs the Formosa Club's 2025 annual conference, taking place in Taipei. Taiwan's Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim joined Kols in expressing gratitude for the club's support of Taiwan, acknowledging its consistent advocacy for Taiwan's international participation and concerns over China's growing aggression.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) noted that the Formosa Club was founded in October 2019 by the chairpersons of Taiwan friendship groups from the European Parliament and national parliaments in the United Kingdom, Germany, and France. The annual conference in Taipei hosts 41 parliamentarians from the European Parliament and 17 European national parliaments.