Why Taiwan matters to Europe and the World - Taiwan's Local Elections 2026

Taiwan's Local Elections 2026 - geopolitical debate: Saturday 24 October 2026, 12:30–15:30, Vartov, Copenhagen. Admission is free.

Taiwan's local elections on November 28, 2026 could shape the country's next national election and its future course toward China, the EU, and the USA. Will Taiwan move closer to China or strengthen ties with the West? How does growing political polarization - a phenomenon familiar from many European democracies - affect the election outcome? To explore these questions, Taiwan Corner has invited researchers and political commentators from Taipei and London.

Speakers in Copenhagen:
- Brian Hioe, co-founder and editor of New Bloom (Taiwan): Taiwan's political situation and trends
- Dafydd Fell, professor of comparative politics and director of SOAS Centre of Taiwan Studies, SOAS University of London: The special role of minor parties in Taiwanese politics
- Michael Danielsen, chair of Taiwan Corner: Introduction to Taiwan's 9-in-1 elections and broader implications for Taiwan, the EU, and Denmark

Online from Taiwan:
- Courtney Donovan Smith, political analyst and columnist: Perspectives on election polls

Programme:
12:15-12:30 Check-in
12:30-12:45 Welcome by Michael Danielsen
12:45-13:15 Taiwan's political landscape ahead of the 2026 election - what is at stake for Europe (Brian Hioe)

The event takes place on Saturday, October 24, 2026, 12:30-15:30 in Store Sal, Vartov, Farvergade 27, Copenhagen - right next to City Hall. Lunch and refreshments are served. Participation is free, but registration is required for both in-person and online attendance. Online participation is via whereby.com/taiwancorner.

The event is organized by Taiwan Corner and supported by Taiwan Foundation for Democracy.