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

Taiwan’s local elections on November 28 could influence its next national election and shape future policies toward China, the EU, and the United States. Over time, will Taiwan move closer to China or deepen ties with the European Union and the United States? Like many democracies, including those in Europe, Taiwan is experiencing growing political polarization and how will this impact elections? How will the new smaller parties change Taiwan’s political dynamics? To explore these questions, we have invited a leading researcher and political commentators from Taipei and London. In Copenhagen you will meet: Brian Hioe , Founding editor of New Bloom from Taiwan, will talk about the political situation and trends in Taiwan Dafydd Fell , Professor in Comparative Politics and Director SOAS Centre of Taiwan Studies, SOAS University of London, will cover the smaller parties’ unique position in Taiwan Michael Danielsen , chairman of Taiwan Corner , will introduce Taiwan’s 9-in-1 elections and the general implications for Taiwan, the EU and Denmark. Joining online from Taiwan Courtney Donovan Smith , political analyst and columnist will put perspectives on the election surveys ______________________________________________ Where : Vartov, Farvergade 27 , Room ‘Store Sal’. The venue is next to Copenhagen City Hall When: Saturday, 24 October 2026 from 12:30 to 15:30 Tickets: You need to sign up here for participating in the venue or online. Catering: Lunch and refreshments Online participation at whereby.com/taiwancorner This event is supported by the Taiwan Foundation for Democracy and organized by Taiwan Corner Panel : Brian Hioe - Brian Hioe is one of the founding editors of New Bloom. He is a freelance journalist, as well as a translator. He is the author of the novel ‘Taipei at Daybreak’ based on his experiences as a young activist in the Sunflower Movement, Occupy Wall Street, the founding of @newbloommag He is currently a Non-Resident Fellow at the University of Nottingham's Taiwan Studies Programme and a member of the board of directors of the Taiwan Foreign Correspondents' Club. Dafydd Fell is Professor of Comparative Politics at SOAS University of London and Director of its Centre of Taiwan Studies. His interest in Taiwan began as a language student in Taipei in the late 1980s, and witnessing Taiwan’s democratic transition shaped his academic career. A leading specialist in Taiwanese politics, he studies elections, political parties, social movements and green politics. His many books include Government and Politics in Taiwan, Taiwan’s Green Parties and, most recently, The Twilight Years of Taiwan’s Sugar Railways. He also edits Routledge’s Research on Taiwan series. Courtney Donovan Smith (石東文) writes in-depth analysis on everything about Taiwan’s political scene and geopolitics and is a twice weekly columnist for the Taipei Times. Donovan is also the central Taiwan correspondent at ICRT FM100 Radio News, co-publisher of Compass Magazine, co-founder Taiwan Report ( report.tw ) and former chair of the Taichung American Chamber of Commerce. He has written for around two dozen publications and is regularly quoted, cited or interviewed for international news outlets in print and on television and radio. Michael Danielsen - Chairman of Taiwan Corner . Michael has a deep understanding of Taiwan's political and cultural nuances. He will offer valuable insights into Taiwan's evolving position in the global landscape. His expertise is particularly relevant in addressing current issues and the challenges facing Taiwan. He has given talks about Taiwan’s democracy, Taiwan’s identity, and cross strait relations at the European Parliament, the London School of Economics, and other venues. ______________________________________________ PROGRAMME 12:15-12:30 Check-in 12:30-12:45 Welcome Michael Danielsen, Chairman of Taiwan Corner 12:45-13:15 Taiwan's Political Landscape Ahead of the 2026 Elections — What's at Stake for Europe Brian Hioe, Founding Editor of New Bloom 13:15-13:45 Lunch 13:45-14:15 The Numbers Game: Reading Between the Lines of Local Election Polls Courtney Donovan Smith, political analyst and columnist “One from Taiwan” 14:15-14:45 The Challenges facing Non-Mainstream Parties in Taiwan's democracy Dafydd Fell, Professor in Comparative Politics and Director SOAS Centre of Taiwan Studies, SOAS University of London 14:45-15:00 Break 15:00-15:30 Roundtable Dialogue: Domestic and International Challenges for Taiwan Dafydd Fell and Biran Hioe Moderator: Michael Danielsen, Chairman of Taiwan Corner 15:30-15:45 Thank you and goodbye Refreshments and Conversation with Fellow Participants This event is supported by the Taiwan Foundation for Democracy and organized by Taiwan Corner