Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen awarded the “Grand Cordon of the Order of Brilliant Star with Special Grand Cordon” to Filip Grzegorzewski, the Director of the European Economic and Trade Office, today in recognition of his outstanding contributions to the Taiwan-EU relationship.
Filip Grzegorzewski, the current EU Representative to Taiwan, is a seasoned Polish and European diplomat who previously served as the Chair of the Asia Affairs Coordination Meeting at the EU External Action Service. In 2019, he assumed the position of EU Representative to Taiwan and Director of the European Economic and Trade Office. The EEAS announced on April 16 that Lutz Güllner, who was the Head of the Strategic Communication Division responsible for combating disinformation and information warfare at the EEAS, would succeed Grzegorzewski as the Director of the European Economic and Trade Office.
In his address, President Tsai thanked Grzegorzewski for his exceptional contributions to deepening Taiwan’s relationship with the EU. President Tsai noted Grzegorzewski’s dedication during his tenure, emphasizing his fluent Chinese proficiency and the various events and activities he organized to promote interactions between Taiwan and EU member countries represented in Taiwan.
President Tsai highlighted the significance of initiatives like the “EU Investment Forum,” which has been held for four consecutive years and significantly boosted Taiwan’s investments in Europe while making the EU the largest foreign investor in Taiwan. Grzegorzewski’s efforts not only enhanced economic and trade ties between Taiwan and the EU but also raised EU’s attention towards Taiwan and the Taiwan Strait situation, further solidifying EU’s support for Taiwan.
President Tsai expressed anticipation for continued deepening of exchanges in various fields between Taiwan and the EU, building upon the foundation laid by Grzegorzewski. He also aspired to establish institutional mechanisms like the Taiwan-EU Economic Partnership Agreement to foster a new chapter of diversified cooperation.
Despite Grzegorzewski’s imminent return to the EU headquarters this week, President Tsai believed that his bond with Taiwan would endure, welcoming him back anytime to enjoy Taiwan’s unique delicacies like stinky tofu, appreciate the beauty of Yangmingshan, and relish the warmth of Taiwan’s hospitality. President Tsai extended his gratitude to Grzegorzewski for his contributions and wished him success in his future endeavors.
Director Grzegorzewski expressed his honor in receiving the award, recognizing it as a testament to the entire team at the European Economic and Trade Office. He emphasized the importance of teamwork in diplomatic efforts, acknowledging his outstanding team and inviting them to join in sharing the honor of the accolade.
Grzegorzewski highlighted the friendship between Taiwan and the EU based on shared values. He expressed joy in witnessing Taiwan’s integral role in the EU Indo-Pacific strategy and appreciated Taiwan’s swift support for Ukraine during the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Recognizing the growing interconnectedness of value chains between Taiwan and the EU, Grzegorzewski acknowledged the EU’s substantial contributions to Taiwan’s economy, with the EU being Taiwan’s largest foreign investor, accounting for about 25%.
The Director emphasized that diplomacy is built on friendships, expressing gratitude towards President Tsai, Vice President Lai, Secretary-General Pan, Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin, and all friends present for their camaraderie. Grzegorzewski shared his fond memories of participating in the triathlon in Penghu and engaging in various outdoor activities across Taiwan.
Apart from his professional commitments, Grzegorzewski expressed his love for Taiwanese delicacies such as beef noodles, xiaolongbao, stinky tofu, and bubble tea. He cherished the genuine friendship and memories created in Taiwan, considering them invaluable.
Grzegorzewski commended Taiwan’s natural beauty and the kindness of its people, affirming its nickname “Ilha Formosa” (Beautiful Island). He admired Taiwan for cherishing peace, rule of law, human rights, and democracy, ultimately wishing for the longevity of Taiwan’s blessings. Grzegorzewski once again thanked President Tsai for bestowing the honor upon him and appreciated the precious friendships formed with Taiwan and its citizens.
Attendees at the ceremony included Frieder Mecklenburg, the Political Commissioner of the Political News Division at the European Economic and Trade Office, Vice President Lai, Secretary-General Pan, National Security Council Secretary-General Wu, Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin, and other dignitaries.