In commemorating the inception of European Union (EU), thanks to the Treaty of Rome signed fifty years ago, The Graduate Institute of European Studies (GIES) and the European Union Research Center of TKU had jointly organized an International Conference on the 50th Anniversary of the Treaty of Rome and EU-Asia Relations , on November 20 and 21. Conference participants arrived from some member states of EU such as Spain, Austria, Italy, Germany, Czech Republic, Poland, Hungary, and Lithuania as well as non-member states that include Japan, Korea, and Taiwan.

Conference organizer, Dr. Tzou Chong-ko, the Chair of GIES, emphasized the significance of this event as this was a reflection on EU’s various achievements in areas of political affairs, economy, societal relations, education, security and peace in the past 50 years. Issues concerning European integration and bilateral relationship between EU and Asia were specifically addressed.

Scholars aside, Dr. Tzou also invited Dr. Flora Chang, the President of TKU, Dr. Jiann-Fa Yan, the Chairperson of the Research and Planning Committee, MOFA (Ministry of Foreign Affairs), Mr. Jean-Claude Poimboeuf, the Director of the French Institute in Taipei, and several commissioners from the European Commission for presentations and discussion. Dr. Tzou believed that this conference could highlight the efforts and dedication Taiwan had put in promoting bilateral European affairs. There were commemorating badges and bags available at the registration desk for conference attendees. ( ~Ying-hsueh Hu )