The European Commission is intensifying efforts to enhance the security of Europe’s telecommunications networks by advocating for the removal of equipment from vendors like Huawei and ZTE from its 5G and next-generation networks, according to a report by Bloomberg citing anonymous sources.
In 2020, the European Commission recommended member nations to cease using technology from ‘high-risk’ vendors such as Huawei and ZTE. Now, Vice President Henna Virkkunen is pushing to transform this recommendation into regulation, the report states.
Virkkunen’s proposal aims to encourage EU countries to adhere more closely to the Commission’s security guidelines. Failure to comply with the regulations may lead to infringement procedures and potential financial penalties for member states. Virkkunen is specifically considering restricting the involvement of Chinese vendors in fiber network projects to expedite the broadband rollout.
This move is part of a broader strategy to reduce China’s influence in critical infrastructure amid deteriorating relations between the EU and China. Germany announced its intention to ban the use of essential components from Chinese firms ZTE and Huawei starting in 2026. Additionally, Finland is reportedly expanding its ban on Huawei components in 5G networks.
Recent geopolitical tensions have prompted European allies like the U.K. and Sweden to restrict or ban Huawei equipment due to concerns about potential cyber-espionage and disruptions to vital communications.
Source: TechCrunch